He’s back! Bruno Tonioli makes return to Strictly panel

He enjoyed a week in LA, during which he missed his first ever Strictly show in 13 years due to commitments with Dancing With The Stars. 

Yet long-time judge Bruno Tonioli was back with a spooky bang on Saturday night as he arrived at theHalloween special, during which he returned to the judging panel in a Beetlejuice costume.

The 61-year-old dancer and choreographer looked incredible in the costume, in which he dressed in the iconic striped suit paired with a white painted face and wild hair to perfect the look. 

 

Dressed up: Long-time judge Bruno Tonioli was back with a spooky bang on Saturday night as he arrived at the spooktacular Halloween special, during which he returned to the judging panel in a Beetlejuice costume

Bruno has been letting loose in Los Angeles over the last week, having missed his first ever episode of the show in thirteen years last weekend due to the trip.

As he returned to the show, he ensured he did so in typical Bruno fashion as he stormed onto the stage alongside Craig Revel Horwood, clad as a typically villainous Joker, Darcey Bussell, as Little Red Riding Hood, and Shirley Ballas, as Cruella De Vil.

Earlier this week, the judge was seen enjoying a night on the town with handsome male model Matt Law, 29, at Hollywood’s Sunset Marquis – with an onlooker telling MailOnline there was ‘chemistry’ between the pair.

Spooky Saturday: Bruno had clearly committed to the frightful cause as he rocked his quirky costume

Spooky Saturday: Bruno had clearly committed to the frightful cause as he rocked his quirky costume

Living it up: The 61-year-old dancer and choregorapher looked incredible in the costume, in which he dressed in the iconic striped suit paired with a white painted face and wild hair to perfect the look

Living it up: The 61-year-old dancer and choregorapher looked incredible in the costume, in which he dressed in the iconic striped suit paired with a white painted face and wild hair to perfect the look

An onlooker said: ‘Bruno kept giving Matt hugs. There was definitely chemistry between them but obviously an age gap. Bruno was very touchy-feely! They sat close and everyone were looking over as the table was all laughing.’

Sources later told The Sun: ‘Bruno has really been getting on well with Matt, they enjoy each other’s company. They have spent the last few days together in the States and he has been introduced to a few of his friends.

‘Bruno is growing increasingly fond of Matt and it isn’t hard to see why. He’s noticed everywhere they go. They were very touchy-feely over dinner and laughing so loudly that everyone took notice.’ 

The outing was their second night out in a row with Lizzie Cundy – with the group spotted partying in West Hollywood the day before.

Say cheese!Earlier this week, the judge was seen enjoying a night on the town with handsome male model Matt Law, 29, at Hollywood's Sunset Marquis - with an onlooker telling MailOnline there was 'chemistry' between the pair

Say cheese!Earlier this week, the judge was seen enjoying a night on the town with handsome male model Matt Law, 29, at Hollywood’s Sunset Marquis – with an onlooker telling MailOnline there was ‘chemistry’ between the pair

Bruno’s night out however came after Tess Daly revealed that Bruno was unable to appear in Strictly due to a ‘a very busy work schedule’.

Despite simultaneously working on SCD and DWTS, the star had never previously missed a show, leaving fans devastated at his absence.

A BBC spokesman told MailOnline: ‘As was always the plan, Bruno Tonioli is not on the judging panel this weekend due to a very busy work schedule. 

The outing was their second night out in a row with Lizzie Cundy – with the group spotted partying in West Hollywood the day before.

Absent: A BBC spokesman told MailOnline his absence was 'always planned' due to his 'very busy work schedule' (Craig Revel-Horwood, Darcey Bussell and Shirley Ballas above)

Absent: A BBC spokesman told MailOnline his absence was ‘always planned’ due to his ‘very busy work schedule’ (Craig Revel-Horwood, Darcey Bussell and Shirley Ballas above)

Bruno’s night out however came after Tess Daly revealed that Bruno was unable to appear in Strictly due to a ‘a very busy work schedule’.

Despite simultaneously working on SCD and DWTS, the star had never previously missed a show, leaving fans devastated at his absence.

A BBC spokesman told MailOnline: ‘As was always the plan, Bruno Tonioli is not on the judging panel this weekend due to a very busy work schedule. 

Taking his place: However they assured 'he will be back as normal for our Halloween special and the rest of the series'

Taking his place: However they assured ‘he will be back as normal for our Halloween special and the rest of the series’

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk