The nineteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing, the multi-award winning dance contest, will be waltzing back onto screens later this year on BBC Brit (DStv Channel 120) and the judging panel is now confirmed.
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Returning to the judging panel are acid tongued Craig Revel Horwood, South African born and Let’s Dance Germany judge Motsi Mabuse and The Queen of Latin herself, Shirley Ballas. In addition to this tremendous trio, Strictly’s longest serving Professional Dancer Anton Du Beke will be taking up residency on the opposite side of the judges desk this year as he joins the judging panel for the entire series, following a two week stint as judge during the 2020 series.
Due to the ongoing uncertainty regarding international travel restrictions caused by COVID-19, Bruno Tonioli, who has been a fixture on Strictly since 2004 and is also a judge on Dancing with the Stars in the USA, will be unable to take part in the series this year.
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Anton Du Beke joined Strictly during its first series and is the only professional dancer to have danced in every series to date, bringing plenty of experience and expertise to the panel.
Anton Du Beke says: “My loves I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to be stepping into Bruno’s brogues for the next series of Strictly. It’s a dream come true to be judging alongside the best of the best and I promise to be kinder to all the couples than any of them have ever been to me.”
Bruno Tonioli says: “Whilst I am gutted to not be on the show this year there is one person and one person only that could take my place – it’s just a shame they weren’t available…haha! Darlings I’m kidding, I’m kidding! Seriously though, I have to tell you, Anton IS Mr Strictly and if anybody is filling in for me, it has to be him. I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way and I am so excited to see him waggle his paddle.”
Further details regarding the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing, a BBC Studios Production, will be announced in due course.
Image Courtesy: Supplied