Bruno Tonioli

Bruno Tonioli is a renowned dancer and choreographer of Italian-British descent. He gained popularity through his work as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing (2004–2019), DanceX (2007) and Britain's Got Talent (2023–2025). In this article, we will take a detailed look at his professional career and personal life.

Bruno Tonioli Biography

Bruno Tonioli was born on 25 November 1955. He was born in Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, a region in Italy.

Bruno Tonioli's Youth

Tonioli became interested in dancing at an early age. Bruno immediately realised that he would become a choreographer, and at the age of eighteen he moved to Paris for this purpose. He turned out to be a natural dancer. In 1980, as part of the Duke and the Aces collective, he participated in the British competition to select a participant for the Eurovision Song Contest.

Tonioli easily integrated into the music industry, working as a choreographer on music videos and stage shows, and touring with famous artists.

Parents

The parents of choreographer, dancer and TV presenter Bruno Tonioli are Verter Tonioli and Fulvia Tonioli. Bruno grew up in poverty. His father, Verter Tonioli, was a bus driver, and his mother, Fulvia, sewed car seat covers. They lived with his paternal grandparents until he was 12 years old, when they were able to afford an apartment in a 12-storey building. His parents dreamed that their son would become a banker or stockbroker, but their wish did not come true.

Bruno Tonioli's career

Tonioli's career deserves special attention, as he has achieved success in several fields and has fully realised his potential in his profession.

When he came of age, he moved to the capital of France, then worked on choreography for music videos and stage performances by such celebrities as:

1. Sheena Easton's ‘Giving Up’.
2. Giving In ‘Wycliffe and Bono's ’New Day United Nations Video for Kosovo".
3. Elton John's ‘Please’
4. Sting's ‘This Cowboy Song’.
5. Michael Jackson's ‘Give in to Me’.
6. Tina Turner's ‘Steamy Windows’.
7. The Rolling Stones' ‘One Hit’.
8. Paul McCartney's ‘Hope of Deliverance’.
9. Freddie Mercury.

He danced in Elton John's own music video for the song ‘I'm Still Standing’ (1983).

He was the choreographer for Arcadia's music video for their song ‘Election Day’.

He worked on the films What a Girl Wants, Enigma and Blow Dry.

Among the most memorable concert performances choreographed by Tonioli are Tina Turner's Foreign Affairs and Duran Duran's World Tour. He also has experience working in theatre.

TV shows with Bruno Tonioli

Bruno Tonioli has appeared on numerous television shows specialising in talent searches. These include such high-rated projects as:

• Strictly Come Dancing (2004–2019).
• DanceX (2007).
• Britain's Got Talent (2023–2025).

In addition, Tonioli has participated in talent shows on American television:

• Dancing with the Stars (2005–present).
• Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann (2008).

In November 2016, Tonioli lent his name to a Decca Records album entitled An Italian Romance. It is a compilation of Italian hits by various artists, selected by the choreographer.

In 2021, the documentary mini-series Craig and Bruno's Great British Road Trips was released, in which Tonioli appeared as himself.

In mid-autumn 2022, the choreographer and dancer took part in the second series of The Masked Dancer, appearing as Pearly King and finishing in third place.

Let's take a closer look at some of the most popular projects by the dancer, choreographer and TV presenter.

Strictly Come Dancing

Since 2004, Tonioli has been part of the Strictly Come Dancing show. He has participated in all episodes except for 2020 and 2021, when he was unable to attend the studio due to restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2022, the choreographer left Strictly Come Dancing to continue working as a judge on the American version of the show, Dancing With The Stars. His job in these projects was to give his honest opinion on the quality of the dance performances. Some contestants took offence at Tonioli's low scores, but he tried to remain objective.

Some viewers also believe that the choreographer is too harsh in his judging. A professional view of dance often differs from that of the general public. Tonioli has been subjected to a barrage of criticism from viewers on many occasions, with some calling him mean and horrible.

Tonioli was the first to use the Golden Buzzer for the Ugandan dance group Ghetto Kids. At the time, he had not yet figured out the rules of the show and pressed the button during the performance without waiting for it to end.

Few people know that another Strictly Come Dancing judge, Len Goodman, is a close friend of Tonioli's, even though they seem like complete opposites. They became close through their work together.

Britain's Got Talent

In the 16th season of Britain's Got Talent, Tonioli joined judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, and Alesha Dixon. He replaced David Wallimes and quickly became part of the judging panel. In 2024, he returned as a judge on the television show. Together with the other judges, he took part in a Britain's Got Talent photo shoot at the London Palladium.

Bruno Tonioli's personal life

Bruno Tonioli's personal life is of interest to many fans of the talent show he hosts. The public is curious to know whether he is gay or not.

The choreographer and dancer is fluent in five languages: Italian, English, Portuguese, Spanish and French. Travelling around the world has helped him master them.

Partner

Bruno Tonioli does not have a wife, but he has been in a long-term relationship with model Jason Shann. They met in 2010 and got engaged in 2012.

Tonioli rarely talks about his personal life and does not reveal any details, and the same can be said about his partner.

Net worth

Tonioli's net worth is approximately £8 million. He earned his fortune working as a choreographer on music videos for world-famous celebrities, helping them prepare for their stage performances. His work as a judge on popular television shows also brings him a substantial income.

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