This judge might not appear on Strictly Come Dancing this year

Every year we look forward to Strictly Come Dancing returning to our screens but, due to coronavirus, the show could look a little different in 2020.

Due to the fact that Bruno Tonioli is currently living in LA, he might not be able to return to the UK for the new series.

Reports earlier this week suggested that Cheryl might take the place of the Italian judge - if travel restrictions prevented him taking part.

Bruno even gave his blessing for the former Girls Aloud member to replace him, if he was unable to star in the 2020 season.

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.’

However, this suggestion appears to have been squashed by insiders of the show.

Instead, it seems more likely that the BBC will make the show a three-judge format, if necessary.

A source revealed to The Sun, ‘As things stand, Bruno won't be replaced and they'll switch to three judges.

‘The BBC hope the rules on flying will be relaxed by the autumn, which means Bruno should be able to take part.'

They added, ‘They don't want to go through a long process of replacing him when he could have done it anyway, so it's very doubtful Cheryl will be there, not as a judge anyway.’

The wider judging panel is made up of Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and head judge Shirley Ballas.

Bruno has spent the last 15 years flying between the US and the UK for Strictly and its American counterpartDancing With The Stars.

With current restrictions on flights, as well as entry to America, Bruno may only be able to appear in one of the shows - unless the travel situation changes.