Bruno Tonioli has given his blessing to Cheryl Cole potentially replacing him on Strictly Come Dancing this year.

The 64-year-old normally flies back and forth between the UK and US every week during the autumn in order to appear as a judge on both Strictly and US version Dancing With The Stars, although that is unlikely to be possible this year due to coronavirus flight restrictions.

Tonioli is thought to have picked DWTS over Strictly, prompting speculation that he could temporarily be replaced by Cole or pro dancer Anton du Beke.

"If Cheryl does end up doing it there would be nothing wrong with that. She's a lovely girl. I like her," Tonioli told The Sun.

"Of course she's not me, but we're all different. We all have different things to offer but I've heard nothing concrete."

Earlier this week the BBC confirmed that this year's series would begin in October instead of September due to the pandemic.