Strictly host Rylan Clark-Neal says Cheryl should replace Bruno Tonioli as a judge
STRICTLY host Rylan Clark-Neal says Cheryl should be the one to replace Bruno Tonioli as a judge.
The presenter believes she is right person to take over from the long-time Strictly judge, who may not be unable to appear on the show this year due to travel restrictions.
The Italian may not be able to fly back and forth from America this year, as he’s also part of the judging panel on Dancing with the Stars, the US version of the ballroom dancing show.
The 31 year old, who hosts Strictly spin-off It Takes Two with Zoe Ball, told OK! Magazine: “If Bruno does have to stick with Dancing with the Stars, it’ll be really sad and he’ll be really missed.
“But Cheryl would be great and is lovely. I’ve met her a couple of times and she’s always so sweet, and talks to everyone.”
He added: “But I am very low down in the Strictly chain, so my opinion won’t matter at all!”
The singer has judging experience to draw on after working on X Factor and most recently on BBC’s The Greatest Dancer.
Cheryl, 37, won’t be returning to the show after the Corporation announced earlier this year that they would be cancelling The Greatest Dancer after just two series, despite being a favourite among fans.
She sat on the judges’ bench alongside 2019 Strictly Come Dancing winner Oti Mabuse, former Glee star Matthew Morrison and choreographer Todrick Hall.
If Bruno, 64, does not make it and Cheryl does indeed take his place on Strictly, she’d be judging alongside Oti’s sister Motsi, as well as head judge Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel-Horwood.
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Last week, Rylan opened up about how he struggles with his looks and how he feels he’ll never be completely content despite dramatically changing his appearance.
“I’ve always been open with the things I do, whether it’s dying my hair or having aesthetic procedures.
“I’m not saying surgery is great and Botox is fantastic and fillers are amazing, but if you are genuinely unhappy with something and you’re in a position to change it, then I don’t think people need to be vilified for that.
“When I was on The X Factor I had my lips overfilled – but that is a learning curve.
“I definitely feel more confident, but I don’t think I’ll ever be content. That’s just who I am. I’ve realised that maybe I’ll never be content and that’s all right.”