BRUNO Tonioli will be back in the Strictly fold next year for the live arena tour.
But many fans who have grown accustomed to Anton Du Beke, 54, on the judging panel are keen to see him on the road too.
Anton has gone down a storm on the panel after Covid restrictions and Dancing With The Star commitments kept Bruno, 65, in the States.
So much so that fans seem to prefer him.
Commenting on a Strictly fan page underneath the news Bruno would be returning, someone said: “Anton for me.”
Another commented: “Think I rather have Anton as a judge.”
A third said: “Bruno made his choice. Stay in the US. Put Anton in the tour and series.”
However, Bruno, who also missed the 2020 series of the show, is thrilled to be making a comeback.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted to be back on the judging panel for the Strictly Arena Tour for the first time in two years.
“I’ve missed my fellow judges, I’ve missed the glitz and glamour of the tour and I’ve missed the amazing audiences that come to see us all over the country – I hope you have missed me too.
“The fans are really in for a treat – next year’s arena tour is going to be simply fantastico.”
The arena tour is directed by Craig Revel Horwood, who recently starred alongside Bruno in their Great British Road Trips programme on ITV.
Earlier in the year, Bruno said of Anton replacing him: “Taking a cheeky swipe at his replacement, Bruno said: “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.”
