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Anton Du Beke joins 'Strictly' judging panel full-time in Bruno Tonioli's absence

Anton Du Beke will be a permanent fixture on the judging panel this year. (BBC Pictures)
Anton Du Beke will be a permanent fixture on the judging panel this year. (BBC Pictures)

Anton Du Beke will be a full-time judge on this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing in Bruno Tonioli's absence.

The Italian star won't be able to take part in the upcoming instalment of the competition, while also featuring on US version Dancing With The Stars.

Du Beke, 54, said of his new role: "My loves I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to be stepping into Bruno’s brogues for the next series of Strictly.

“It’s a dream come true to be judging alongside the best of the best and I promise to be kinder to all the couples than any of them have ever been to me.”

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Meanwhile, Tonioli jokingly added: "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!”

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He went on: “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.”

Anton Du Beke did have a temporary stint as a judge in 2020. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)
Anton Du Beke did have a temporary stint as a judge in 2020. (WireImage)

Du Beke has featured as a professional dancer on every season of the competition since it began in 2004, though is yet to win the show.

He had his first taste of the judging panel last year as he filled in for Motsi Mabuse while she was absent from the panel for two weeks.

Du Beke will be on the panel with Mabuse, Head Judge Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood.

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