Bruno Tonioli flies back to UK from America for key talks with Strictly bosses

JUDGE Bruno Tonioli has flown back to the UK from America for key talks with Strictly Come Dancing bosses. Producers would love Bruno to appear in person this year but he has already agreed to take part in US version, Dancing with the Stars, which is filmed at the same time. Covid travel restrictions have […]

JUDGE Bruno Tonioli has flown back to the UK from America for key talks with Strictly Come Dancing bosses.

Producers would love Bruno to appear in person this year but he has already agreed to take part in US version, Dancing with the Stars, which is filmed at the same time.

Covid travel restrictions have made it increasingly difficult for the choreographer, 65, to fly back and forth between the US and UK.

Bruno, who owns a £2.5million pad in LA and a flat in Maida Vale, West London, was not in the Strictly ballroom last year but made several appearances via a video link

Bosses must iron out what the Italian star can realistically commit to before offering up his full £250,000 pay.

Fellow judge Motsi Mabuse, 40, has signed up for the German version’s stage tour in November — which is on at the same time the UK series is screened.

PA

Producers want Bruno to appear in person this year but he has already agreed to take part in US version[/caption]

Motsi, who lives in Frankfurt, is also assessing what she can realistically sign up to do.

A telly source said: “Bruno is back in the UK for several months and during that time he will work out his Strictly contract. He has also been filming another project.

“Bosses are keen for the series to return to it’s pre-Covid glory as much as possible with a live audience and would love a full house on the judging panel.

“They are hopeful that they can make it work with Motsi, but it is harder with Bruno.

Getty

A telly source said: ‘Bruno is back in the UK for several months and during that time he will work out his Strictly contract. He has also been filming another project’[/caption]

BBC/Ray Burmiston

Judge Motsi has signed up for the German version’s stage tour in November — which is on at the same time the UK series is screened[/caption]

PA

It is understood that head judge Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel-Horwood have signed their contracts for the series due to start in September[/caption]

“If he can’t be there in person he’ll do some video links again, but it’s not ideal.”

The US has been largely closed to non-essential travel arrivals due to Covid curbs.

It is understood that head judge Shirley Ballas, 60, and Craig Revel-Horwood, 56, have signed their contracts for the series, due to start in September.