Strictly Come Dancing 2017: Fans 'not buying' Bruno Tonioli’s ‘fishy’ absence from show
STRICTLY COME DANCING fans were left feeling extremely sceptical about judge Bruno Tonioli’s absence from the panel on tonight’s show.
Bruno Tonioli ABSENT from Strictly judges panel
The 61-year-old Italian dancer has been a staple on the BBC show for 13 years, but missed his judging duties for the first time ever this evening.
Addressing the audience, presenter Tess Daly joined her co-host Claudia Winkleman in explaining Bruno’s lack of appearance.
“Bruno can’t join us because of a busy work schedule,” she said apologetically.
Unconvinced by the reasons, viewers took to Twitter to voice their upset at the choreographer’s decision.
Strictly: Bruno Tonioli was absent from tonight's show
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Did anyone believe that Bruno cover story there about a 'busy work schedule'? No me neither
“Did anyone believe that Bruno cover story there about a 'busy work schedule'? No me neither. #Strictly #brunobeennaughty,”(sic) one person said.
One wrote: “It's not like Bruno doesn't know the schedule. Don't sign up if you don't have time #Strictly,” as another echoed: “How did Bruno manage to double book #Strictly for the first time in 15 years as if he just forgot be was busy tonight?”
“I’ve got a busy schedule too lads, but you know, Strictly is pretty f**king important. Bore off Bruno. #Strictly,” one viewer said angrily, as another added: “Something fishy about the Bruno situation? #Strictly”
Some fans really missed the passionate judge’s brand of critique however, as one person said: “@BrunoTonioli Saturday night is not the same with you gone #Strictly.”
Strictly: Fans couldn't help but notice the judge's absence from the panel
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“#Strictly bad news that Bruno is not judging tonight due to “Work commitments”. How can the contestants compare with the last weeks?,” another added.
Last week viewers were shocked as they were convinced they’d heard the judge saying f**king on the show.
Complimenting Debbie Mcgee on her performance, he said: "You're very dainty. I love all this clipped movement, there's no faffing about with the free hand,” but fans were stunned after hearing “f**king” instead.
Strictly Come Dancing continues tomorrow at 7.15pm on BBC One.