Strictly snub Cheryl as they’d ‘rather have only three judges on the panel than her replace Bruno Tonioli’
STRICTLY bosses are to snub Cheryl Tweedy as Bruno Tonioli’s coronavirus stand-in — and have just three judges.
The Sun revealed yesterday that he had given the singer his blessing to replace him if Covid-19 travel restrictions keep him out of the UK.
But producers think any full-time replacement for the irrepressible Italian would upset the balance of the panel.
A source said they hope flight restrictions will be eased by October so LA-based Bruno, 64 — who regularly shuttles to London for the UK show — can take part.
But if not, only Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood would judge — the first time the show would not have a four-strong panel.
The source said: “As things stand, Bruno won’t be replaced and they’ll switch to three judges.
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“The BBC hope the rules on flying will be relaxed by the autumn which means Bruno should be able to take part.
"They don’t want to go through a long process of replacing him when he could have done it anyway so it’s very doubtful Cheryl will be there, not as a judge anyway.”
Bruno had told The Sun: “If Cheryl does end up doing it, there’s nothing wrong with that. She’s lovely.”
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