The highly-anticipated Strictly Come Dancing 2020 show is only a matter of months away form kick off and the rumour mill has gone into overdrive with potential celebrity contestants, major show changes due to coronavirus and even judge replacements. But while so much is up in the air with the on-going public health threat, head judge Shirley Ballas addressed speculation that Bruno Tonioli will not be appearing this year.
There have been numerous reports that the infamous choreographer’s position will be in jeopardy, as other work commitments could make his attendance difficult.
Bruno, who has been a member of the Strictly family since the programme first aired back in 2004, also judges the US version of Strictly, Dancing With The Stars, and takes a brief from the BBC show midway to fulfil his commitments on the panel over the pond.
He’s usually replaced for a matter of weeks or so by a celebrity guest and vice versa in the US.
And, due to coronavirus forcing countries across the globe to lockdown to keep their citizen’s safe, travelling to and from America and the UK could be a tad tricky.
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But since sources speculated that he would choose the US version over the British extravaganza, Shirley branded the claims as “just rumours.”
Speaking on talkRADIO on Thursday, she brushed off concerns regarding Bruno’s situation.
“They are again rumours. So it will be according to the flights – if he can get backwards and forwards safely but knowing Bruno and he’s such an amazing man, he will do everything in his power not to let the British public down,” she explained.
“So let’s keep our fingers crossed. It will all go down to guidelines and rules.”
But a source relayed their concerns to The Sun – if they can axe Lord Sugar’s iconic show that has been on-air ever year since 2005, what does that mean for other huge hits such as Strictly?
“It does also beg the question what the knock-on effect to other shows could be. If the Apprentice can’t film, can Strictly and others?” they said.
“It’s a stark warning to the industry that even the biggest shows are not immune from this crisis.”
But the head judge revealed her latest knowledge on the situation that BBC continue to monitor as the start date draws ever nearer.
