Alfonso Ribeiro has been confirmed to replace Bruno Tonioli on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ next week.
The ‘Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ star – who was best known for playing Will Smith’s cousin Carlton Banks on the US sitcom – will sit in for the flamboyant Italian on the judging panel alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Dame Darcey Bussell and Shirley Ballas on Saturday (20.10.18).
Alongside a video of Alfonso doing his signature Carlton dance made famous on the hit comedy series on the BBC One ballroom and Latin show’s official Twitter account, they announced: "It’s true @alfonso_ribeiro to guest Judge next week on #Strictly! *Carlton dance for days* (sic)"
The 47-year-old comedian – who competed on ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’ in 2013 – has plenty of experience in dance, as he won the US version of ‘Strictly’, ‘Dancing With The Stars,’ in 2014, alongside his partner Witney Carson.
Meanwhile, it was recently announced that Alfonso will front new game show ‘Money Tree’ for the broadcaster.
The actor is set to film a pilot of the show this week, and the programme has been compared to ‘Family Fortunes’.
A show insider said recently: "Alfonso is a TV icon and was a real hit in the UK when he appeared on ‘I’m A Celeb’ back in 2013.
"He’s got that real sense of comedic charm and effortless banter that is needed in a game show presenter, so BBC bosses thought he would be the perfect signing.
"He’s filming a pilot next week but they are really hoping that it will hit the ground running and be turned into a full series.
"It’s sure to be a right laugh with Alfonso on board.
"And, of course, they’re hoping that his famous Carlton dance and bright sweaters will make an appearance at some point."
The new programme will see families go head-to-head in seven rounds of general knowledge trivia and the first episode is being filmed onThursday (18.10.18).
Last month, Alfonso reunited with his ‘Fresh Prince’ co-stars more than 20 years after the show went off the air.
He was joined by former castmates, Will, Tatyana Ali, Karyn Parsons, Daphne Maxwell Reid and Joseph Marcell.
‘Strictly Come Dancing’ airs at 6.45pm on BBC One.
Alfonso Ribeiro confirmed as Strictly’s guest judge
