16/01/2011
Bruno Tonioli, a name synonymous with flamboyant critiques and boundless energy, has been a beloved fixture on British television for nearly two decades. His infectious personality and passionate commentary made him an undeniable highlight of Strictly Come Dancing. Yet, in recent years, fans have witnessed a significant shift in his career, prompting many to wonder: what happened to Bruno on the Strictly Christmas Special 2022, why did he leave the judges' panel, and what exciting ventures has he embarked upon since?
The glitz and glamour of the ballroom returned for the eagerly anticipated Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2022, a festive treat designed to whisk viewers away from the post-Christmas lull. While a line-up of six celebrities and their professional partners battled it out for the coveted Christmas Champion title, it was a surprise guest appearance that truly set the stage alight. Former judge Bruno Tonioli, whose absence from the main series had been deeply felt, made an unexpected and memorable return, not as a judge, but as a performer. He took to the stage to sing a vibrant rendition of The Communards' classic, 'Don't Leave Me This Way'. This performance, a delightful nod to his musical background and showmanship, sent ripples of excitement through the audience and reignited conversations about his departure and future.
The End of an Era: Why Bruno Left Strictly Come Dancing
For eighteen years, since the very first series in 2004, Bruno Tonioli was an integral part of the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel. His dramatic flair, enthusiastic outbursts, and often hilarious analogies became legendary, making him a fan favourite. However, in 2022, after a period of temporary absence, Bruno officially announced his permanent departure from the UK show, a decision that saddened many loyal viewers.
The primary reason for Bruno's exit was the increasing difficulty in balancing his commitments to both Strictly Come Dancing in the UK and its American counterpart, Dancing With The Stars (DWTS). For years, Bruno managed a demanding transatlantic schedule, flying weekly between London and Los Angeles. This gruelling routine, which he himself described as a 'miracle' he survived, became unsustainable. The situation was further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which introduced severe international travel restrictions. In 2020, these restrictions prevented him from joining the UK panel in person, leading to his appearances via video link. In 2021, professional dancer Anton Du Beke stepped in as a temporary judge, filling Bruno's seat due to the ongoing 'uncertainty regarding international travel restrictions'.
When Dancing With The Stars moved to Disney Plus and began streaming live, the demand for continuity became even greater. Bruno explained on The One Show that he simply couldn't 'guarantee' his presence due to the unpredictable nature of international travel. He acknowledged that the US show 'need continuity' and that he couldn't risk the possibility of being stuck abroad. He also generously praised Anton Du Beke, stating that Anton had 'done a fantastic job' and 'deserves to be on that seat'.
Despite initial rumours of animosity, particularly after Bruno jokingly suggested Anton was 'desperate' for the role, both parties have consistently affirmed that the decision was mutual and amicable. Anton himself dismissed any talk of a feud, explaining that Bruno was 'just mucking around' and that the situation 'was all down to circumstance'. The travel logistics, particularly the continued flight cancellations and uncertainties, simply made it 'not ideal' for Bruno to commit to both shows. His departure from Strictly was a pragmatic decision driven by an impossible schedule, allowing Anton Du Beke, the show's longest-serving professional dancer, to permanently take his place on the judging panel.
Beyond the Ballroom: Bruno's Ventures Post-Strictly
While his Strictly tenure came to an end, Bruno Tonioli's career has continued to thrive, particularly with his high-profile move to another major UK talent show. In January 2023, it was announced that Bruno would be joining the judging panel for series 16 of Britain's Got Talent (BGT), replacing long-standing judge David Walliams. This transition marked a new chapter for Bruno, bringing his unique brand of enthusiasm and theatricality to a different format.
His debut on BGT was nothing short of memorable. Bruno became the first judge to use the coveted Golden Buzzer, an honour that sends an act straight through to the semi-finals. However, in true Bruno fashion, he mistakenly pressed it during the performance rather than waiting until the end, a deviation from the show's established rules since the buzzer's introduction in 2014. He then went on to break the rules again in a later episode by pressing it for a second time for singer Gamal John, making history as the first act to receive a Golden Buzzer without the accompanying confetti. Despite these rule-bending moments, which only added to his charm, both presses counted, showcasing his unrestrained passion for talent.
Bruno's presence on BGT hasn't been without its share of headlines. Reports surfaced about salary negotiations, with rumours suggesting that his £850,000 per series earnings matched those of fellow judges Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon, reportedly causing them to initially hold off on signing their contracts. Despite these claims, Amanda Holden has publicly praised Bruno's 'great energy' and new skills, particularly his ability to speak to contestants in multiple languages. Simon Cowell, the head judge, also affirmed his pleasure at having Bruno on the panel.
More recently, Bruno has faced some temporary absences from BGT auditions due to clashes with his Dancing With The Stars schedule in the US. For three days of auditions in late 2024 (for the 2025 series), hip-hop star and social media influencer KSI stepped in as a guest judge. Simon Cowell quickly shut down rumours of a permanent replacement, stating that Bruno's absence was purely a 'scheduling issue' and that he 'love[s] Bruno on the show'. Bruno himself expressed his delight at KSI filling in, jokingly referring to him as another 'young, attractive, multi-talented star'. These temporary substitutions are not uncommon for BGT, given its extensive filming schedule, and Bruno remains fully committed to the show, with ITV confirming his return for the upcoming series.
A Career of Colour: Bruno's Diverse Showbiz Journey
Bruno Tonioli's career extends far beyond his judging roles on Strictly and BGT. Born in Ferrara, Italy, his journey into the entertainment world began in the music industry. In 1980, he was part of the group Duke and the Aces, who competed in the UK's selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. While they didn't win, it was an early glimpse into his multifaceted talents.
He forged a significant career as a highly sought-after choreographer for music videos, stage shows, and tours for some of the biggest names in music. His impressive client list includes legends such as Tina Turner, Sting, Elton John (he even danced in the iconic 'I'm Still Standing' video from 1983), The Rolling Stones, Freddie Mercury, Boy George, and Duran Duran. He also lent his choreographic expertise to film, notably for Anne Hathaway in Ella Enchanted (2004).
Bruno's love for music led him to release his own album, 'An Italian Romance', in 2016, a compilation of Italian songs selected by him. In 2018, he presented 'Bruno Tonioli at the Opera' on BBC Radio 2, showcasing his deep appreciation for classical music. Demonstrating his willingness to embrace new challenges, he even competed in the second series of The Masked Dancer in October 2022, charming audiences as Pearly King and ultimately finishing in third place.
His judging style, whether on Strictly or Dancing With The Stars, is instantly recognisable. Known for his animated physical descriptions, often leaping out of his chair, and his vivid, colourful analogies – such as calling Sabrina Bryan 'a little lynx on the prowl' or Billy Ray Cyrus 'a crazy bear lost in a swamp' – Bruno brought an unparalleled level of energy to the judging panel. While generally generous with his scores, he did award his lowest ever score, a '2', to Master P on Dancing With The Stars due to the contestant's lack of engagement. He has also been at the centre of minor controversies, most notably when his harsh critique of Michael Bolton's jive on DWTS led to a public outcry, prompting ABC to firmly defend his role as an honest judge.
| Year(s) | Show | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004–2021 | Strictly Come Dancing | Judge | Permanent judge; temporary video appearances in 2020 due to COVID-19. |
| 2005–Present | Dancing With The Stars | Judge | US counterpart to Strictly; ongoing role. |
| 22016 | An Italian Romance | Curator | Music album compilation. |
| 2018 | Bruno Tonioli at the Opera | Presenter | BBC Radio 2 series. |
| 2022 | The Masked Dancer | Contestant | Competed as Pearly King, finished 3rd. |
| 2022 | Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special | Guest Performer | Sang 'Don't Leave Me This Way'. |
| 2023–Present | Britain's Got Talent | Judge | Replaced David Walliams; temporary absences. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did Bruno Tonioli leave Strictly Come Dancing?
Bruno Tonioli left Strictly Come Dancing primarily due to the intense travel demands of balancing his role with the US show, Dancing With The Stars. The move of DWTS to live streaming on Disney Plus made it impossible for him to guarantee his presence in the UK, especially with ongoing international travel uncertainties exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated it was a mutual decision, allowing Anton Du Beke to take his place permanently.
Is Bruno Tonioli returning to Strictly Come Dancing?
As of late 2024, Bruno Tonioli is not expected to return to the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel permanently. He made a special guest appearance as a performer on the Strictly Christmas Special 2022, but his permanent judging role has been filled by Anton Du Beke. Bruno remains committed to Dancing With The Stars in the US and Britain's Got Talent in the UK.
What is Bruno Tonioli doing now?
Bruno Tonioli is currently a judge on Dancing With The Stars in the United States and joined the judging panel of Britain's Got Talent in the UK in 2023. He also continues to pursue various entertainment projects, drawing on his extensive background as a choreographer and performer.
Is Bruno Tonioli still on Britain's Got Talent?
Yes, Bruno Tonioli is still a judge on Britain's Got Talent. While he has had some temporary absences from auditions due to scheduling conflicts with Dancing With The Stars, Simon Cowell and ITV have confirmed his continued role on the show. Guest judges, such as KSI, have stepped in during his brief periods away.
How long was Bruno Tonioli a judge on Strictly Come Dancing?
Bruno Tonioli was a judge on Strictly Come Dancing for 18 years, from its inception in 2004 until his official departure in 2022. He was one of the show's original judges, alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Arlene Phillips, and Len Goodman.
Bruno Tonioli's journey through the world of entertainment has been as vibrant and dynamic as his on-screen persona. From choreographing for music legends to becoming a household name as a reality TV judge, his career has been marked by passion, energy, and an undeniable flair for the dramatic. While his absence from the Strictly panel is still felt by many, his captivating presence on Britain's Got Talent and his continued role in Dancing With The Stars ensure that the 'crazy bear' of the ballroom will continue to entertain audiences on both sides of the Atlantic for years to come. His unexpected, yet delightful, return to the Strictly Christmas Special in 2022 served as a wonderful reminder of the enduring impact of his unique talent and his deep affection for the show that helped make him a star.
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