Strictly finally confirms Anton Du Beke will replace Bruno Tonioli in 2022 series

Strictly Come Dancing has finally confirmed Anton Du Beke will replace Bruno Tonioli permanently by sharing the first photo of this year’s panel.

Tonioli, 66, appeared on the BBC dance competition via video link in 2020 but last year he skipped the show due to difficulties with flying between the UK and the US.

Du Beke then stepped up into his judging role, having been a professional dancer and fan favourite on the show since it begun in 2004.

The Italian choreographer has now officially bowed out after 18 years and according to reports will instead focus on US equivalent Dancing With The Stars.

Du Beke will now take his place on the panel alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Head Judge Shirley Ballas.

Expressing his joy over the move, Du Beke said: “Woohooo! This is BRILLIANT news. Everyone knows how much I absolutely love the show and I’m utterly delighted to be continuing as a regular judge.

“And I get to make the final again – now I know how Giovanni [Pernice] feels!”

The BBC dance competition will return to screens for its 20ths series later this year fronted once again by Tess Daley and Claudia Winkleman.

While an official date has yet to be announced, it typically kicks off in September.

The celebrity contestants have not been confirmed but the rumour mill is already in overdrive.

Speculation has suggested ex-Emmerdale star Adam Thomas, TV chef Gino D’Acampo and Countryfile star Helen Skelton could be featuring in this year’s line-up.