Bruno Tonioli wants Adam Garcia to join Strictly Come Dancing judging panel

Bruno Tonioli has backed Adam Garcia to join the Strictly Come Dancing judging line up.

Earlier this year, ballet dancer Darcey Bussell made the surprise announcement that she was leaving Strictly Come Dancing after seven years.

As yet, no replacement has been announced by the BBC.

Speaking to The Sun newspaper, Bruno put forward his suggestion, naming Australian actor, singer and dancer Adam Garcia.

Adam is no stranger to judging dance competitions; he was a judge on the Aussie version of Strictly as well as UK’s Got To Dance on Sky 1.

Bruno said: “I’d like Adam to get the job. He’s a leading man, a theatrical leading man.”

It’s a very different suggestion then the one put forward by Bruno’s fellow Strictly panellist Craig Revel Horwood.

While Craig doesn’t know who the new judge is yet, like Bruno he has shared who he wants in the role.

“They must have chosen by now but, no, I haven’t been consulted,” Craig told The Sun last month, “I would have loved Nicole Scherzinger but she’s been snapped up [Nicole is rumoured to join The X Factor this year].

“As long as the new person has an opinion, that is the most important thing. And also can dance.”

Craig added: “The worst thing would be someone who sits there without an opinion. They have to be entertaining.”

Appearing on ITV’s This Morning recently, Craig Revel Horwood admitted he was “shocked” when he heard the news of Darcey’s exit.

He said: “I had an inkling but there was only a slight suggestion on the tour but nothing more and I never thought that would actually happen because she’s one of my best mates and I love sitting next to her, I love the fact she was whacking people with paddles.”

Alongside Craig and Bruno, head judge Shirley Ballas currently makes up the Strictly Come Dancing panel.

The new series of Strictly is expected to launch in September.