Bruno Tonioli thinks ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ has been "missing" the romance this year.
The 64-year-old judge doesn’t see the issue with a spark between the celebrities and pros on the BBC Latin and ballroom show – including last year’s winners Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton, and Joe Sugg and Diane Buswell – but there doesn’t seem to have been any such relationships this time round.
Speaking to The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre TV column, he said: "I’ve never had anything wrong with the romances — it’s actually quite nice when they get together.
"It’s life. It adds a bit of frisson of excitement when it happens on the dancefloor. So I think I was missing that a little bit in this series."
The dance expert also admitted the whole panel has had to tone themselves down in a conscious effort not to "offend anyone".
He explained: "It’s not just me that has had to tone it down, I think it’s just the general mood at the moment among the judges that you have to be aware of what you say because you don’t want to offend anyone.
"I have tried to self-edit as much as I can."
His comments come after outspoken judge Craig Revel Horwood – who is known for his scathing remarks and critical style – insisted he would rather quit than change tact.
He previously said: "Every year I get told to tone it down and I don’t listen. Of course I won’t be toning it down this year.
"I’m going to be just like I’ve been for 16 years. I’m not changing for anyone, if that’s the case I’d rather not judge it. It will never work darling, I’ve got too much of a big mouth."
Bruno Tonioli says Strictly Come Dancing has missed the romance
