Thursday 19 May 2022 07:55 PM Anton Du Beke returns to Strictly Come Dancing judging panel after Bruno ... trends now
Anton Du Beke will be returning to the Strictly Come Dancing panel for the second year as he replaces Bruno Tonioli, who quit the show after 18 years.
The ballroom dancer, 55, will be taking up residency on the judging panel for Strictly's 20th series after he sat in on the famous panel last year.
He will be joined by popular returning judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and head judge Shirley Ballas, the BBC has confirmed.
They're back! Anton Du Beke will be returning to the Strictly Come Dancing panel alongside Shirley Ballas Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse
Reacting to his new role, Anton admitted he was 'delighted' to become a regular judge as he will replace Italian star Bruno, who has quit the show after 18 years.
He added: 'Woohooo! This is brilliant news. Everyone knows how much I absolutely love the show and I'm utterly delighted to be continuing as a regular judge. And I get to make the final again – now I know how Giovanni feels!'
Anton sat in on the panel for the first time last year when Bruno was unable to travel to the UK from the US last year due to pandemic travel restrictions.
Craig, who has been a judge on the BBC show since the first series, said he was 'beyond thrilled' to be returning once again to the panel.
Judging: The ballroom dancer, 55, will be taking up residency on the judging panel for Strictly's 20th series after Bruno Tonioli (pictured in 2019) quit the show after 18 years
'I am beyond thrilled to be returning to Strictly, I can't believe it will be my 20th series! It's going to be Fab-u-lous,' he added.
While Motsi, 41, gushed: 'Last year's series of Strictly was one of the highlights of my career, it has had such a real impact which has been incredible to witness.
'I am so proud to be a part of this show and I am so looking forward to returning for my fourth series!'
And head judge Shirley, 61, said: 'Being a judge on Strictly is such a joy and honour for me, and I can't wait to be back at the studio waving my paddle.
Exciting: Reacting to his new role, Anton (pictured with his wife Hannah Summers at the Top Gun: Maverick premiere on Thursday) admitted he was 'delighted' to become a regular judge
'Every year the wonderful production team surpass themselves and I know they have some brilliant plans in store for 2022. I'm so excited to get started.'
Strictly's upcoming series, which will air on Saturday and Sunday nights later this year, will also welcome back hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Further details on the much-anticipated 20th series are yet to be confirmed.
The new judging line-up comes after Bruno, who has been at the heart of the dance show since its 2004 launch, quit Strictly Come Dancing after 18 years.
Strictly: Anton (pictured on Thursday with his wife Hannah) will be joined on the panel by returning judges Craig
