STRICTLY Come Dancing’s veteran pro Anton Du Beke has been “confirmed” as a judge on the 2022 series – after fans spotted him missing from the dancer line-up.
Strictly’s full line-up of pro dancers was revealed today on BBC programme Morning Live and Twitter, with dozens of people asking, “where’s Anton?”
Others saw his absence from the announcement as a sign he is surely set to return to the coveted hot seat.
One penned: “Woohoo, Anton’s a judge!” another said: “No Anton? Is he leaving or judging?” and a third replied: ” Judging!”
It comes as bosses were said to be struggling to decide on whether to keep former pro dancer Anton, 55, on the panel or welcome back Bruno Tonioli, 66, who was forced to step down because of Covid travel restrictions between the UK and US.
But there could be five judges for the next series, according to judge Craig Revel Horwood.
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He said he would be happy if Bruno returned and replacement Anton stayed.
Craig, 57, told The Celeb Report last month: “Bruno doesn’t know if he’ll be back. It’s hard to commit.
“I hope he returns. I’ve always said there’s space for five judges.”
Anton accompanied Craig, Motsi Mabuse and head judge Shirley Ballas on the juggernaut show in 2021.
It was revealed Motsi had already signed her contract for the 2022 series back in December, and so had Craig and Shirley.
Meanwhile, Strictly’s reigning professional champion Giovanni Pernice is returning to the show for its 20th series and will be joined by returning Strictly professionals Johannes Radebe, Nadiya Bychkova, Dianne Buswell and Graziano Di Prima.
Pernice won the 2021 series with actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, his first Strictly win.
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The confirmation of the returning dancers follows the departure of previous winners Aljaz Skorjanec and Oti Mabuse.
Oti, 31, announced her departure in February, while Aljaz , 32, revealed he was leaving Strictly via his Instagram on March 28.
