STRICTLY’S Anton Du Beke has revealed he hasn’t spoken to Bruno Tonioli since taking his place on the judging panel.
The pro dancer has joined the judges full time this year after making a number of guest appearances last year.
Anton, 55, is replacing Bruno, 65, after he was unable to fly back for the series due to his work commitments in the US and the coronavirus pandemic travel restrictions.
However, Anton admitted to The Celeb Report’s TV Mag that he hasn’t spoken to the Italian about his appointment to the panel.
He said: “No, we haven’t spoke. He’s been in LA so I haven’t spoken to him. Motsi called me and I spoke to Shirley. I’m looking forward to it.”
While there’s been no communication between Anton and Bruno, he has had plenty of support from his fellow judges, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood.
He said: “They were brilliant. I think they’re delighted as well because they know me.
“If somebody comes in from outside then it’s sort of a whole starting again thing, but because it’s me, we’ve already done it.”
Anton has been a professional on Strictly since it began in 2004, and while he describes joining the judging panel as a dream come true, he is sad to be leaving the dance floor.
He explained: “I’m going to miss spending time with my celebrities, I’m going to miss putting together a number, just the whole creative process.
“Getting to know them and the shared experience of coming out and performing and hoping that it comes out well.”
Anton also revealed how fans of the show will miss him dancing this year too.
He said: “People do say “I’m going to miss your dancing” and that’s tremendous. I love that because fundamentally I am a dancer at heart.”
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturday at 7pm on BBC One. Pick up TV Mag’s 80-page Strictly Special for free today, only in The Celeb Report.
