Bruno Tonioli would approve of Cheryl Tweedy replacing him on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ if he’s unable to fly to the UK for this year’s series.
The BBC One ballroom and Latin show’s judge – who is on the panel with Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse – may not be able to fly over from Los Angeles to film this year’s instalment due to the coronavirus pandemic travel restrictions.
And Bruno has insisted he would have no problem with the former ‘The Greatest Dancer’ judge sitting in for him if it’s impossible for him to travel to the UK for filming.
He said: "If Cheryl does end up doing it there would be nothing wrong with that. She’s a lovely girl. I like her.
"Of course she’s not me, but we’re all different. We all have different things to offer but I’ve heard nothing concrete."
Bruno has had ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ actor Alfonso Ribeiro step in for him for Week Five of ‘Strictly’ for two consecutive years, because of his filming commitments to ‘Dancing with the Stars’ in the US.
The Italian choreographer and dancer has accepted that the situation is "beyond [his] control" and he has no idea what will happen.
He added to The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre TV column: "For years and years I’ve spent two days of each week on the plane flying between London and LA.
"I leave America on Wednesday and come back every Sunday but now it’s impossible and, because of the current travel restrictions, it’s beyond my control.
"Under normal circumstances I take a deep breath and do the travel. I love the show and love to do it and normally I’m destroyed by Christmas, but this year is different for everyone.
"Under the current restrictions they just won’t allow it. I don’t know what’s going to happen."
It’a already been announced that this series will be two weeks shorter than normal.
A spokesperson for the show confirmed: "The ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ team are doing everything they can to bring the nation plenty of Strictly magic later this year.
"To ensure we deliver the high standards audiences know and love, and in light of the ongoing considerations around COVID-19, this year’s series of Strictly will have a slightly shorter run than usual.
"The safety of our cast and crew is of the utmost importance to us and further updates will be made in due course."