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Courtney Act wants Strictly Come Dancing role if Bruno Tonioli can’t return to UK

Courtney Act wants to replace Bruno Tonioli on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.

The 38-year-old drag queen – whose real name is Shane Jenek – has put herself forward to join the panel after it was reported the judge could miss the upcoming series because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Responding to the news on social media, she tweeted: "Where do I sign? #strictly @BBCOne"

The former ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ winner does have some experience, having been part of the first ever same-sex couple on Australia’s ‘Dancing With The Stars’.

Courtney’s comments come amid some uncertainty about whether ‘Strictly’ judge Bruno – who is also a panellist on the US version, ‘Dancing With The Stars’ – will be able to return to the UK in time for the new series.

An insider said: "There is no way to travel back and forth at the moment, so he’s told bosses in the UK that unfortunately he will be staying over there.

"He spends a lot of his time in the States now, and the truth is he does earn a lot more from the US version.

"The hope is things might change and he’ll be able to make at least a guest appearance."

Although it’s not known if the Beeb will draft anyone in to join Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas, Bruno recently suggested Cheryl Tweedy could be a good fit.

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.

"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."