It was revealed on Saturday that Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly intending to keep Anton Du Beke as a judge on the BBC ballroom dance contest this year, replacing Bruno Tonioli.
Yet the same evening news was circulating about his uncertain future on the BBC show, the Italian choreographer, 66, looked upbeat as he beamed a wide smile for the cameras following the latest tour show at London’s 02 Arena.
Bruno, who first took his seat on Strictly’s judging panel in 2004, kept things comfortable in a grey tracksuit and black fur coat.
Upbeat: Cheery Bruno Tonioli flashed a wide smile for the cameras following the London Strictly tour show on Saturday – after it was revealed that bosses ‘intend to axe him from the judging panel’
Bruno appeared on the American version of the show, Dancing With The Stars, last year, but pandemic travel restrictions made it difficult for him to fly back to the UK for the British edition, with Anton, 55, taking his place.
He was expected to make a return to the panel this year, particularly after fellow show star Craig Revel Horwood, 57, said the ‘chemistry is a bit flat without’ him, but it has now been claimed show bosses are favouring Anton.
A BBC source told The Sun: ‘We have been told Anton’s contract as a judge is going to be renewed. The bosses were really happy with his performance. It also hasn’t escaped their notice his salary is considerably lower than Bruno’s.
‘Bruno has been an integral part of Strictly for more than a decade, and there is a huge amount of affection for him from those on the show.
‘This decision will ruffle some feathers, not least with Craig, who has been a very, very vocal advocate for welcoming Bruno back. But the bosses’ attitude is, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.
Post-show: A slew of Strictly faces mirrored Bruno’s high spirits on Saturday evening, including blonde beauty Nadiya Bychkova
Moving on: It was revealed on Saturday that Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly intending to keep Anton Du Beke (pictured) as a judge on the BBC ballroom dance contest this year
A slew of Strictly faces mirrored Bruno’s high spirits on Saturday evening, including blonde beauty Nadiya Bychkova.
The Ukrainian-Slovenian dancer, 32, couldn’t keep the smile from her face as she lapped up the post-show atmosphere.
Meanwhile 20-year-old actress Maisie Smith had her hands full as she cradled an impressive bouquet of flowers.
Happy: The Ukrainian-Slovenian dancer, 32, couldn’t keep the smile from her face as she lapped up the post-show atmosphere
After show party: Kai Widdrington, 26, looked buoyant following the show, rocking a beanie
Gifted: Meanwhile 20-year-old actress Maisie Smith had her hands full as she cradled an impressive bouquet of flowers
Giovanni Pernice was surrounded by close pals after hitting the 02’s ballroom, as they were spotted filming for Italian TV.
The professional dancer, 31, put on a playful display for the cameras as one friend was pictured attempting to lick him.
Giovanni’s Strictly partner and champ Rose Ayling-Ellis traded the ballgown for a varsity jacket and jeans as she stopped for a snap.
Three’s (not) a crowd: Giovanni Pernice was surrounded by close pals after hitting the 02’s ballroom, as they were spotted filming for Italian TV
Having fun: The professional dancer, 31, put on a playful display for the cameras as one friend was pictured attempting to lick him
Laidback: Giovanni’s Strictly partner and champ Rose Ayling-Ellis traded the ballgown for a varsity jacket and jeans as she stopped for a snap
Couple: Elsewhere, Nancy Xu and her boyfriend Mikee Michele packed on the PDA as she planted a kiss on his cheek
Elsewhere, Nancy Xu and her boyfriend Mikee Michele packed on the PDA as she planted a kiss on his cheek.
The pair have largely kept their romance out of the limelight and while they have never confirmed their first encounter, they did start sharing loved-up snaps with one another in December 2017.
Mikee is an Italian martial arts expert and boasts talents in performing, having collaborated with several Italian singers.
Funny: Sports presenter Mike Bushell, who competed in Strictly in 2019, showed off some of his moves
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