Strictly Come Dancing 2021: Who are the judges and will Bruno Tonioli join them?

The show is already shaping up for the new series (Picture: BBC)

One of the biggest shows on the box is returning very soon, with Strictly Come Dancing 2021 set to arrive later this year. 

The first contestants have been revealed, with presenter AJ Odudu, McFly musician Tom Fletcher and comedian Robert Webb the first three announced for the upcoming series.

CBBC star Rhys Stephenson and Great British Bake Off’s John Whaite have also joined the line-up. After Nicola Adams and Katya Jones competed in the first ever same-sex partnership on Strictly in 2020, John is joining the first ever all-male pair.

There’s still plenty of speculation about the upcoming series as it’s been confirmed that it is almost returning to pre-pandemic normality – but Blackpool is still off the cards.

There are changes afoot on the judging panel too, with the show looking a little different in 2021.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Who are the Strictly Come Dancing judges and will Bruno Tonioli join them?

Bruno Tonioli has ruled out appearing in person to judge this year (Picture: ABC/BBC)

Three Strictly icons are returning to the panel this year, with Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse all set to reprise their roles. 

However, Bruno Tonioli will not be taking part.

Anton du Beke will step into his place, having previously joined the panel for a brief spell in 2020 after Motsi had to make an urgent return to Germany.

Anton is appearing as a Strictly judge this year (Picture: PA)

He said: ‘My loves I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to be stepping into Bruno’s brogues for the next series of Strictly,’ Anton said of the news. 

More: Strictly Come Dancing

‘It’s a dream come true to be judging alongside the best of the best and I promise to be kinder to all the couples than any of them have ever been to me.’

Bruno, who lives in the US, previously revealed he was missing the new series due to uncertainty over coronavirus travel rules. Despite them recently changing, he has confirmed he still won’t be judging on the upcoming series.

Strictly Come Dancing will air on BBC One later this year.

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