Anton DuBeke is returning to 'Strictly Come Dancing' as a judge.
Strictly Come Dancing 2022 lineup revealed!
The 55-year-old star - who initially served as a professional dancer on the BBC ballroom competition for over a decade - joined Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Head Judge Shirley Ballas on the judging panel in place of Bruno Tonioli for the 2021 series due to travel complications because of COVID and will now take up residency on the panel as the four famous faces return to the show later this year.
In a statement, Anton 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 feels!"
Meanwhile, fellow judge Motsi Mabuse - who replaced ballet icon Darcey Bussell as a judge back in 2019 - explained that she is "so looking forward" to her fourth series on the show after describing the 2021 edition as a career "highlight."
She said: "Last year’s series of Strictly was one of the highlights of my career, it has had such a real impact which has been incredible to witness. I am so proud to be a part of this show and I am so looking forward to returning for my fourth series!”
Head judge Shirley Ballas "can’t wait to be back at the studio waving my paddle", while Craig Revel Horwood gushed that it is "fabulous" to be returning for his milestone 20th series.
The upcoming series of 'Strictly Come Dancing' - which is yet to reveal its celebrity lineup - will air on BBC One later this year and hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will return as hosts.
The official line up confirmation comes just days after it was reported that Bruno had quit the show "for good" and will now be focussing on his role as a judge on 'Dancing with the Stars' in the USA.
A source told The Daily Mail newspaper's Richard Eden column: "Bruno has quit the show for good. He's going to be a judge only on 'Dancing with the Stars' from now on."