STRICTLY legend Bruno Tonioli has admitted he’s bowing out after 18 years because it “got too much” para ele.
The 66-year-old devastated fans by quitting as a judge ontem à noite – and has now told The Sun his exhausting travel schedule is to blame.
Bruno has been juggling the BBC show with filming Dancing With The Stars in the US since 2005.
But the ten-hour flight between Los Angeles and London took its toll on the Italian dancer, quem diz: “I’m done”.
“I just can’t do it anymore,” ele adicionou.
“Going back and forth was too much.”
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Fan favourite Bruno has missed the last two series of Strictly Come Dancing after Covid travel rules prevented him from flying between the US and UK.
Ano passado Anton Du Beke, 55, replaced him to judge alongside Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse.
Now pro-dancer Anton will be a permanent fixture on the panel as he takes over from Bruno.
Delivering his verdict on his replacement, Bruno added: “Anton is brilliant. He will be brilliant.”
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As news of his departure was announced on The One Show last night, Bruno explained he had to make a choice between Strictly and Dancing with the Stars.
Ele disse: “Dancing with the Stars has moved onto Disney+ and will be streaming live. It’s a big deal, it’s very very exciting.
“And because of the travel situations I can’t guarantee that I am going to be there because anything can happen.
“Last year I changed my ticket every week – they need continuity. I absolutely support them, it’s my decision.”
Ele adicionou: “Anton has done a fantastic job. He deserves to be on that seat.”
Bruno has been a judge on Dancing with the Stars – the American spin-off of Strictly – since its launch in 2005.
Meanwhile Anton has been a pro-dancer on Strictly since its launch in 2004.
He finished as a runner-up with celeb partner Emma Barton in series 17 and last with Susannah Constantine the year before.
Eu obviamente pensei sobre isso, mas eu tinha um trabalho a fazer.”
He has worked alongside former Strictly head judge Len Goodman and American TV personality Carrie Ann Inaba.
Winners of the series include Nicole Scherzinger and Donny Osmond.
