BRUNO Tonioli returned for a second season at Britain’s Got Talent.
He started his TV career as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing in 2004, but who is he?
Who is Bruno Tonioli?
Bruno Tonioli is a respected dancer and choreographer, who has worked with some of the biggest name in the entertainment industry, including Michael Jackson, Elton John and Freddie Mercury.
In his early career in the 80s worked as a choreographer for music videos, stage shows and tours for Tina Turner, Sting, the Rolling Stones, Sinitta, Boy George, Dead Or Alive and Duran Duran, among others.
Bruno also produced many of Bananarama’s music videos, including Venus and Movin’ On.
Then, he shot to national stardom when he became a judge on Strictly Come Dancing from the show’s first episode in 2004, but shocked fans when he quit in 2022 after 18 years on the series.
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Bruno has achieved international success when he joined the judging panel of Dancing With The Stars (the US version of Strictly) in 2005, and continues to be on the show.
In 2023 it Bruno replaced David Walliams on Britain’s Got Talent.
He returned for a second series as a judge in 2024 after he was inspired to take on the new challenge.
In an interview with The Sun he said: “They have all been wonderful, Shirley, Craig, Anton, the producers, they’re still my friends, they are so supportive, as I am of them.
“So are Tess and Claudia.
“They all congratulated me and Len sent me a wonderful email just before he passed away, which is still very hard to talk about.
“I can’t even speak about him not being here.
“But that email meant a lot to me.
“They know I love them all and they know I love the show.
“I spent 15 years of my life there.”
He continued: “I’m still doing the American one, and I’m very passionate about it, but sometimes you have to try something new.
“It is good doing something different.
“In a way the role I played in Strictly is different from what I do here.
“I’m so grateful to BGT for allowing me to show more of myself.
“I’m Bruno unleashed now, darling!
“I can use all my range, it’s exciting.”
What shows has Bruno Tonioli starred in?
Bruno’s other television credits include the Blake’s 7 episode Rescue, Miss Marple’s The Body In The Library, Blonde Bombshell, Scarlet Pimpernel, and The Bare Necessities.
His film credits include Ella Enchanted, The Gathering Storm, Little Voice, Dancin’ Thru The Dark, Enigma, The Parole Officer, and What A Girl Wants.
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Bruno’s theatre credits include La Vie Parisienne, Godspell, and Steve Coogan’s show The Man Who Thinks He’s It.
What is Bruno Tonioli’s net worth?
Bruno is a VERY wealthy man and has a net worth of around £8million.
This has been mainly earned through his TV work.
During his time on Strictly, his salary was around the £250,000 mark per series.,
Meanwhile, on Dancing With The Stars he reportedly earns a whopping £30,000 per episode, which is around £1 million per series.
Over on BGT Bruno’s salary has been revealed as £800,000 per series.
Where is Bruno Tonioli from?
Bruno was born November 25, 1955, in northeast Italy.
At the age of 18, he left Rome to perform with Parisian dance company La Grande Eugene, before moving to London two years later.
When he was starting out he danced on a number of major shows and music videos, including Elton John’s I’m Still Standing.
Bruno later moved into choreography after his work was featured on Not The Nine O’Clock News.
Is Bruno Tonioli married?
Bruno isn’t married but is in a long-term relationship with partner Jason Schanne, who he has been dating since 2010.
In 2012, two years after the pair met, the couple had a committed ceremony.
Their relationship is extremely private and kept out of the spotlight.
Does Bruno Tonioli have any children?
As of April 2024, Bruno doesn’t have any children.
The star splits his time between his London home and America.
In the US, Bruno has a stunning £2.5million home in West Hollywood.