Bruno Tonioli was an OG judge on Strictly Come Dancing from its very first episode in 2004. The iconic TV personality left the show after 15 years and was replaced by former Strictly dancing professional Anton Du Beke.
Since his departure from the judging panel, Bruno hasn’t been far from our TV screens and is set to make his Britain's Got Talent debut as he will be replacing comedian and author David Walliams as a permanent judge on the entertainment show.
Bruno told The One Show’s Alex Jones and Anita Rani, "I was petrified. I was really nervous. Because nobody told me, I didn't have any rehearsals, nothing - 'You're on'. Someone said: 'Just do your thing'. Okay, I'll do my thing.
"It's completely different! It's like a great big variety show. The range of talent is incredible. You get everything: singers, dancers, acrobats, theatre groups, choirs, magicians... I was like a kid in a sweet shop.”
However, he admitted that he’d never seen the show before, and that was evident when, on his first day as a judge, he pressed the Golden Buzzer in the middle of an act.
He said, "There was this amazing act, that you will see, they were so incredible, I just couldn't wait to get the buzzer. It was 'Whack!' Dancers. I literally went for it. And it was mid-performance.
"The stage exploded with gold and everybody [gasped]. [I thought] what's going on here? Have I done something wrong? - it was actually amazing. But honestly, nobody told me you had to wait until the end of the performance!"
Why is Bruno not on Strictly anymore?
In 2019, Bruno couldn’t make it back to the UK from the US (where he’d been doing work) for that year's series of Strictly, so Anton Du Beke took over as a stand-in judge. However after three years of COVID restrictions, it was confirmed that Bruno was stepping back permanently to focus on the US version of Strictly - Dancing With The Stars.
Speaking about his Strictly replacement, Bruno said, "I think Anton has done a fantastic job. He deserves to be on that seat. It's a 10 from me. Carry on. Do me proud."
Is Bruno coming back to Strictly Come Dancing?
Bruno has called his return to Strictly “impossible".
He told the Daily Mail, “Well I always will miss it, it's my family, but I mean we'll always be friends and you never know what's going to happen.
"At the moment, you know it's just as impossible, you know the situation is too complicated but they're all my brothers and sisters, we're all loving each other, you know, no hard feelings, they're great, they do a great job.”
How old is Bruno Tonioli?
He is 67 years old. He was born on November 25, 1955.
Who is Bruno Tonioli's partner?
The Italian dancer has been in a relationship for over a decade with model Jason Schanne.
Is Bruno Tonioli married?
No, but the couple did have a commitment ceremony in 2012.
What is Bruno Tonioli's net worth?
According to various sources, his net worth is estimated to be around nine to ten million dollars.
Does Bruno Tonioli have Instagram?
Yes, he does. His username is @brunotonioliofficial.