Bruno Tonioli has given his blessing for Cheryl to replace him on Strictly Come Dancing should he be unable to return this year.
The choreographer, 64, who currently resides in Los Angeles, has spent the last 15 years jetting between the US and the UK for Strictly and its American counterpart Dancing With The Stars.
However, with current travel restrictions in place amid the coronavirius pandemic, it may mean that Bruno could be forced to miss the latest series of the BBC show, and he has no objection to the Girls Aloud singer, 36, filling his spot on the judging panel.
On board: Bruno Tonioli (right) has given his blessing for Cheryl to replace him on Strictly Come Dancing should he be unable to return this year
Restrictions on flights as well as entry to America means that Bruno may only be able to appear in one of the shows, unless international travel situation greatly improves.
And should he be unable to join fellow judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood on Strictly, he’s happy for Cheryl to take his place.
He told The Sun: ‘If Cheryl does end up doing it there would be nothing wrong with that. She’s a lovely girl. I like her.
‘Of course she’s not me, but we’re all different. We all have different things to offer but I’ve heard nothing concrete.’
Approval: With current travel restrictions in place amid the coronavirius pandemic, it may mean that Bruno could be forced to miss the latest series of the BBC show, and he has no objection to the Girls Aloud singer, 36, filling his spot on the judging panel
Cheryl is of course no stranger to a judging panel, having been a judge on both the X Factor and The Greatest Dancer, before its axe earlier this year.
Bruno has appeared on both Strictly and Dancing With The Stars since they began in 2004 and 2005 respectively.
He has previously been replaced on the Strictly by The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air star Alfonso Ribeiro on two occasions due to clashes with filming on the American show.
Bruno explained that he leaves American for the UK on Wednesdays to film Strictly before jetting back on Sundays, but now such travel would be ‘impossible’.
Busy bee: The choreographer, 64, who currently resides in Los Angeles, has spent the last 15 years jetting between the US and the UK for Strictly and its American counterpart Dancing With The Stars
Favourite: ‘If Cheryl does end up doing it there would be nothing wrong with that. She’s a lovely girl. I like her’
He added to the publication: ‘Under normal circumstances I take a deep breath and do the travel. I love the show and love to do it and normally I’m destroyed by Christmas, but this year is different for everyone. Under the current restrictions they just won’t allow it. I don’t know what’s going to happen.’
It comes as Cheryl was announced as odd-on favourite to waltz on to the Strictly panel in Bruno’s place.
Bookies Coral told The Sun: ‘With doubts over Bruno Tonioli’s availability this year, we have slashed the odds on Cheryl being a judge on Strictly in 2020.
‘Cheryl has been linked with being a contestant on Strictly for a while and they may just get their target this year, but in the judges’ chair, rather than the dance floor.’
Changes: Under normal circumstances I take a deep breath and do the travel. I love the show and love to do it and normally I’m destroyed by Christmas, but this year is different for everyone’
Meanwhile, Strictly bosses have revealed that this year’s series will be shorter than usual and stars will be in ‘couple bubbles’ amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following months of speculation as to whether to hugely popular BBC ballroom show would go ahead this winter, it has now been confirmed that it will be back on screens, but with major changes as Britain emerges from a stringent lockdown.
A statement released to MailOnline reads: ‘The Strictly Come Dancing team are doing everything they can to bring the nation plenty of Strictly magic later this year.
‘To ensure we deliver the high standards audiences know and love, and in light of the ongoing considerations around COVID-19, this year’s series of Strictly will have a slightly shorter run than usual.
‘The safety of our cast and crew is of the utmost importance to us and further updates will be made in due course.’
Cut: Meanwhile, Strictly bosses have revealed that this year’s series will be shorter than usual and stars will be in ‘couple bubbles’ amid the COVID-19 pandemic Pictured are judges (L-R) Bruno, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood