Strictly Come Dancing's Bruno Tonioli falls off his chair but viewers think it's a stunt
News

Here’s why Bruno Tonioli is missing on Strictly tonight

Where's Bruno gone?

Strictly Come Dancing will be a little less outrageous than usual this weekend as a show staple takes a break from the ballroom.

Bruno Tonioli will not be on hand to give his unique insight and give scores on the dances alongside Shirley Ballas, Darcey Bussell and Craig Revel-Horwood because of filming commitments in the US.

The excitable 62-year-old is also a judge on Dancing with The Stars, the American version of Strictly.

And although Italian favourite Bruno has been an ever-present on DWTS for a whopping 27 seasons of the show since it started in 2005, this is believed to be only the second time it has caused him to miss out on filming over here in the UK.

Craig, Darcey and Shirley will have to manage without Bruno this week (Credit: BBC)

Read more: Craig Revel Horwood ‘slams Tess Daly’s dull questions on Strictly’

This time last year he also had to skip Strictly in favour of heading to Los Angeles for DWTS.

And although the extravagant star is used to a crammed schedule which sees him regularly jetting across the Atlantic when both series are running, it seems DWTS takes priority when there is a clash.

TV bosses decided not to install a stand in to cover for Bruno last year – but there will be substitute in place for the programmes airing tonight and tomorrow.

Incredibly, Bruno’s temporary replacement will be actor and former I’m A Celeb contestant Alfonso Ribeiro, 47.

Read more: Simon Cowell ‘wants Strictly’s Bruno Tonioli for Greatest Dancer’

To most telly viewers, Alfonso’s most significant contribution to dance thus far – although he did win season 19 of DTWS in 2014 – has been as the innovator of ‘the Carlton dance’ in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

However, the good news for Bruno fans is that he will return… and soon!

It is believed he will be back on the panel next week, October 27th, for the Halloween Strictly special.

But will he have some words for Craig after his colleague reportedly slammed him as “a proper attention-seeker” on his return?

Waspish Craig is reported to have said of Bruno at an Oxford book event (via The Sun): “I get on with him but he is driving me nuts at the moment. Every time I try and speak, he is dancing across the desk or falling off his chair.

He continued: “I like him as a person. He’s very nice. He has taken me out to dinner once. I’ve taken him out about 25 times.”

(credit: Brett D Cove/Splash) Strictly judges Bruno Tonioli, Darcey Bussell, Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood,
The gang will be back together for the Halloween special (Credit: Brett D Cove/Splash)

Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think of this story.


Robert Leigh
Freelance writer