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.

“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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