Strictly Come Dancing's Bruno Tonioli has joked that Anton Du Beke only agreed to replace him on the judging panel because he 'needs the money.'
The dancer, 65, has been unable to appear on the BBC show due to travel restrictions imposed during the Covid pandemic, with bosses announcing last month that Anton will replace him for the 2021 series.
Despite clearly being please for the former pro, Bruno said Anton was 'desperate' for the judging role, and playfully added: 'Good for him. He needs the money.'
Moving on: Bruno revealed on Saturday that Anton du Beke was 'desperate' to get the judging role (L-R Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli)
Bruno added that he thinks Anton is the 'obvious choice' to replace him, having been a professional dancer on the show since its inception in 2004.
Bruno is unable to appear on the panel for the next series due to uncertainty over Covid-19 travel restrictions.
Instead he's opted to stay will stay in the US and continue as a judge on Dancing With The Stars.
In an interview with The Sun on Sunday Bruno admitted none of his fellow judges have been in touch since he had to step away from the show for the second year.
New judge: Anton Du Beke was confirmed as judge Bruno Tonioli's permanent replacement on Strictly Come Dancing series 19
He revealed although he had received a lot of supportive messages from fans — fellow judges Craig Revel Horwood, 56, Shirley Ballas, 60, and Motsi Mabuse, 40 — have yet to get in touch.
He said: 'I haven't heard from them. But I'm not going to cry, we all have very separate lives.'
Bruno added that he will see Craig on an ITV project they are working on together.
Road trip! Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno have taken to the roads for their new TV show, Craig And Bruno's Great British Road Trip
Hard to watch: The former Strictly judge says that he will not watch the new series of the show when it airs later in the year
The longterm pals have taken to the roads for their new TV show, Craig And Bruno's Great British Road Trip.
The former Strictly judge says that he will not watch the new series of the show when it airs later in the year.
He said: 'Watching
