BBC Strictly’s Bruno Tonioli’s life after quitting – eye-watering BGT salary and love life

Bruno Tonioli, who first graced our screens in Elton John's music video for "I'm Still Standing", has had quite the journey since his Strictly days.

The 68 year old professional choreographer became a household name in 2004 when he joined the judging panel on the new BBC show Strictly Come Dancing. After eighteen years of entertaining us with his bubbly personality and flamboyant remarks, Bruno made a dramatic exit from the show.

According to him, a return seems to be "impossible". Since then, Bruno has made a name for himself away from judging, with no plans to return to the BBC show anytime soon.

As Bruno celebrated his 68th birthday this month, we take a look at his life post-Strictly. From making it big on Britain's Got Talent to moving to the US, Bruno's journey continues to be an exciting one.

BGT move

Bruno made a big move to Britain's Got Talent after leaving Strictly in 2022. After eighteen years of delighting fans with his larger-than-life personality, he admitted that juggling his commitments with the show was "a miracle" he managed to keep up for so long.

His career took a positive turn when he joined ITV as a judge for Britain's Got Talent in 2023. He stepped into the role after David Walliams left the show following some inappropriate comments about contestants.

Bruno embraced his new role, earning three times his BBC salary with a whopping £850,000 a year. However, not everyone was pleased with his appointment, with some former stars of the programme saying Bruno wasn't "a good fit".

After the show ended, Bruno expressed his desire to stay on the panel of the popular ITV show. Many fans also wanted him to stay because they found his bubbly personality "hilarious".

Judging stateside

In addition to judging Strictly in the UK, Bruno was asked to be a judge on the American series Dancing with the Stars in 2005. This made a name for himself in the US and played a part in his decision to leave the British version of the show.

In 2019, Bruno found it difficult to juggle his roles on both shows, so Anton du Beke was promoted to a judging role to help ease the pressure. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions, Bruno decided to focus solely on the American version of the show.

Despite his absence from the UK show, Bruno has become a big hit in America, with fans regularly singing his praises. He also had some kind words for Anton who took his place on the British version of the show, saying: "I think Anton has done a fantastic job. He deserves to be on that seat. It's a 10 from me. Carry on. Do me proud."

Life off screen

In his personal life, Bruno is happily loved up with his partner, model Jason Schanne. The pair have been together for over ten years and even had a commitment ceremony to celebrate their love.


Bruno showed his softer side when his fellow judge Len Goodman sadly passed away earlier this year. Paying tribute to his good friend Len, Bruno shared a touching photo of the two of them, writing: "Heartbroken my dear friend and partner for 19 years, the one and only ballroom legend Len Goodman passed away."

"I will treasure the memory of our incredible adventures and hundreds of shows we did together," he added. "There will never be anyone like you, we will miss you."

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