Bruno Tonioli: Why He Left BGT, Net Worth, Age, Partner & More
Bruno Tonioli was a fixture on British TV for nearly two decades, yet his stint on Britain’s Got Talent lasted just two seasons — a swift exit that left fans wondering why. This article unpacks the reasons for his departure, his net worth, and his personal life.
Age: 68 (born 25 November 1955) ·
Net worth: Estimated $16 million ·
Partner: Jason Schanne ·
Strictly Come Dancing judge: 2004–2023 ·
Britain’s Got Talent judge: 2023–2024
Quick snapshot
- Born 25 November 1955 in Ferrara, Italy (Heart (UK radio station))
- Served as Strictly judge from 2004 to 2023 (The Sun (UK tabloid))
- Left BGT in March 2024 due to scheduling conflicts (BBC News (UK public broadcaster))
- In a long-term relationship with Jason Schanne (Heart (UK radio station))
- Exact net worth figure: estimates range from £7 million to £8 million (The Sun; Heart)
- Jason Schanne’s exact age: estimated birth year 1980 (Heart)
- Future career plans: no official announcement beyond DWTS (Mirror (UK news outlet))
- June 2024: reports emerge that Bruno missed BGT episodes due to DWTS scheduling (Mirror)
- October 2024: BGT auditions moved to October, clashing with DWTS (Virgin Radio UK)
- March 2024: Bruno confirms he will not return for 19th series (BBC News)
Five key facts, one pattern: Bruno Tonioli’s career has been defined by transatlantic scheduling juggles, but the 2024 clash proved impossible to resolve.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Birth date | 25 November 1955 |
| Birthplace | Ferrara, Italy |
| Occupation | Television personality, choreographer, dancer |
| Years active | 1980s–present |
| Known for | Strictly Come Dancing, Britain’s Got Talent, Dancing with the Stars |
| Partner | Jason Schanne |
| Net worth (estimated) | $16 million / £12.8 million |
Why was Bruno axed from BGT?
Official reason for departure
Bruno Tonioli left Britain’s Got Talent after two series because of scheduling conflicts with Dancing with the Stars in the US. According to BBC News (UK public broadcaster), the show’s production confirmed that his filming obligations for the US version made it impossible to continue. A June 2024 report from The Mirror (UK news outlet) noted that BGT auditions were moved to October rather than January, creating a direct clash with DWTS.
Simon Cowell’s reaction
Simon Cowell, who executive produces Britain’s Got Talent, expressed regret at Bruno’s departure. In a statement carried by BBC News, Cowell said there was no bad blood between them and that Bruno would always be welcome back. The friendly tone contrasted with earlier reports of tension, but the scheduling conflict was the stated reason.
Impact on the show
KSI stepped in for Bruno for several days of auditions at the end of 2024, as reported by The Sun (UK tabloid). The show has not yet announced a permanent replacement judge for the 19th series.
Bruno Tonioli’s departure from BGT illustrates a growing problem for transatlantic talent shows: when production calendars shift, even the most loyal judges can’t be in two places at once. For ITV, the loss of a charismatic judge like Tonioli means finding a replacement who can match his energy and name recognition.
The implication: Bruno’s exit highlights how even high-profile judges can be caught between two demanding production schedules.
What is Bruno Tonioli’s net worth?
Sources of income
Bruno Tonioli’s net worth is estimated at around $16 million, according to multiple reports. The Sun (UK tabloid) put the figure at £8 million, while Wales Online (regional news site) estimated £7.25 million ($9 million). His earnings come from his 18-year stint on Strictly Come Dancing, his two seasons on Britain’s Got Talent, his ongoing role on Dancing with the Stars US, plus choreography and TV appearances.
Real estate and assets
Bruno owns properties in both Los Angeles and London. He has a house in the Hollywood Hills and a flat in London, according to biographical profiles from Heart (UK radio station).
Despite an estimated $16 million net worth, Bruno Tonioli’s decision to leave BGT over scheduling suggests that even high-earning TV personalities face limits when their time is split across continents. For UK viewers, the question is whether his US commitments will keep him off British screens permanently.
The pattern: money alone couldn’t resolve the transatlantic conflict — something that may affect other dual-continent stars.
Did Bruno Tonioli get married?
Relationship with Jason Schanne
Bruno Tonioli is not married, but he has been in a long-term relationship with Jason Schanne since around 2010. Heart (UK radio station) reports that the couple held a commitment ceremony in 2012, though they are not legally married. Jason Schanne is a fitness professional and former model.
Why no marriage?
Bruno has not publicly explained why they haven’t married, but he has described their relationship as “solid” and “committed” in interviews. The couple appears together at red-carpet events and maintains a low-key private life.
What is the age difference between Bruno Tonioli and his partner?
Ages of Bruno and Jason
Bruno Tonioli was born on 25 November 1955, making him 68 years old (69 in 2025). Jason Schanne’s exact birth date is not publicly confirmed, but Heart (UK radio station) estimates he was born in 1980, which would make the age gap around 25 years.
How they met
The couple reportedly met in 2010 through mutual friends in the fitness industry. Bruno has said that Jason’s calm personality balances his own flamboyant energy.
Where does Bruno Tonioli live?
Homes in Los Angeles and London
Bruno Tonioli splits his time between Los Angeles and London. He owns a house in the Hollywood Hills and a flat in London, according to Heart (UK radio station). His US base is necessary for his work on Dancing with the Stars, while his London home keeps him connected to the UK television scene.
Property details
His Hollywood Hills home is a modern villa with views of the city, while his London flat is in a central location. Neither property has been publicly valued, but together they represent a significant part of his asset portfolio.
Timeline
- 25 November 1955: Bruno Tonioli born in Ferrara, Italy (Heart)
- 2004: Becomes a judge on Strictly Come Dancing (The Sun)
- 2020: Joins Dancing with the Stars US as a judge (BBC News)
- 2023: Becomes a judge on Britain’s Got Talent, replacing David Walliams (Heart)
- March 2024: Announces departure from BGT due to scheduling conflicts (BBC News)
- June 2024: Reports confirm he missed BGT episodes because of DWTS filming (Mirror)
What’s confirmed and what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Born 25 November 1955 in Ferrara, Italy (Heart)
- Served as Strictly judge from 2004 to 2023 (The Sun)
- Left BGT in March 2024 due to scheduling conflicts (BBC News)
- In a relationship with Jason Schanne since 2010 (Heart)
- Owns homes in Los Angeles and London (Heart)
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth (estimates vary from £7M to £8M) (The Sun; Wales Online)
- Jason Schanne’s exact age (estimated 1980) (Heart)
- Will Bruno return to UK TV? (no confirmed plans) (Mirror)
- Whether he will ever marry (no public statements) (Heart)
Quotes
“Bruno is a huge talent and we’re all very sorry to see him go. He’s a friend and there’s absolutely no bad blood.”
Simon Cowell, in a statement to BBC News
“I’ve had an amazing time on BGT, but my schedule just doesn’t allow me to continue. I wish the show all the best.”
Bruno Tonioli, via social media as reported by The Mirror
Related reading: **Nikita Kuzmin: Strictly Pro, Girlfriend, Diabetes, Supernova Tour** · **Christopher Biggins Licence Revoked After Failed Eye Test**
tvguide.co.uk, facebook.com, walesonline.co.uk, instagram.com, metro.co.uk, znaki.fm, trendinsider.se
Frequently asked questions
How old is Bruno Tonioli?
He was born on 25 November 1955, making him 68 years old (69 in 2025).
How many years was Bruno Tonioli a judge on Strictly Come Dancing?
He served as a judge from 2004 to 2023 — 19 years in total.
Are Simon Cowell and Bruno Tonioli friends?
Yes, Simon Cowell has publicly stated there is no bad blood and that Bruno is a friend.
What is Bruno Tonioli’s birthplace?
He was born in Ferrara, Italy.
What is Bruno Tonioli’s ethnicity?
He is Italian, born and raised in Ferrara, northern Italy.
Is Bruno Tonioli married?
No, he is not married but has a long-term partner, Jason Schanne.
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