Strictly: Rylan Clark-Neal thinks Cheryl would make a ‘great’ replacement for Bruno Tonioli if judge forced to drop out

Rylan Clark-Neal thinks Cheryl would be a “great” Strictly Come Dancing judge to replace Bruno Tonioli, who might have to drop out over coronavirus travel restrictions.

It has been rumoured that Tonioli could be forced to remain in Los Angeles so he can film the American version of the show, Dancing with the Stars, and former Girls Aloud star Cheryl is one of the top names touted to replace him.

Clark-Neal, the former host of Big Brother, believes Cheryl would be the ideal choice. He 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."

Clark-Neal added: “I am very low down in the Strictly chain, so my opinion won’t matter at all!”

A mix-up of the judging panel, which also comprises Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas, might not be the only change to Strictly this year.

It’s thought that bosses might add same-sex couples to the show for the first time ever, and the series is expected to start in October, one month later than usual.

This year’s series will be going ahead but with a limited run because of coronavirus.

Logistical details are yet to be announced, with recent reports suggesting that the professional dancers may be asked to isolate with each other or their celebrity partners and that the show could go ahead without an audience.

In a statement, the BBC confirmed: “The safety of our cast and crew is of the utmost importance to us.”

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