Few TV judges have matched the energy Bruno Tonioli brought to the dance floor. If you’ve ever wondered about his age, his partner, or the real story behind his departure from Britain’s Got Talent, you’re in the right place.
Born: 25 November 1955 · Nationality: Italian · Occupation: Television personality, choreographer, dancer · Known for: Strictly Come Dancing, Britain’s Got Talent, Dancing with the Stars
- Strictly Come Dancing judge (2004–2022) (The Guardian)
- Dancing with the Stars judge (2005–present) (The Guardian)
- Britain’s Got Talent judge (2022–2023) (Wales Online)
- Left after two series (Wales Online)
- Reasons disputed: budget cuts vs. choice (Wales Online)
- Now focused on DWTS and other projects
| Full Name | Bruno Tonioli |
| Date of Birth | 25 November 1955 |
| Place of Birth | Ferrara, Italy |
| Partner | Jason Schanne |
| Occupation | Television personality, choreographer, dancer |
| Known For | Strictly Come Dancing, Britain’s Got Talent, Dancing with the Stars |
The table above distils the key biographical details that define Bruno Tonioli’s public profile.
Is Bruno Tonioli LGBTQ?
Bruno Tonioli’s sexuality
- Bruno Tonioli is openly gay, a fact consistently reported by entertainment media (German Wikipedia).
- He has spoken about experiencing homophobic bullying during his youth in Italy (German Wikipedia).
Public statements and relationships
- Tonioli has been in a long-term relationship with Jason Schanne since around 2010 (Heart).
- The couple reportedly held a commitment ceremony in 2012, though neither has confirmed a legal marriage (Heart).
Tonioli’s decision to keep his private life largely out of the spotlight is a deliberate choice that contrasts sharply with his exuberant on-screen persona.
Why was Bruno axed from BGT?
Reports of dismissal
- Tonioli left Britain’s Got Talent in 2023 after just two series as a judge (Wales Online).
- He had replaced David Walliams on the panel in 2022 (Wales Online).
Reasons given by ITV
- ITV cited budget cuts and a format shake-up as the reasons for his departure (Wales Online).
- The network issued a statement thanking Tonioli for his contribution.
Bruno’s own account
- Tonioli himself has stated he was not axed but chose to leave, saying in an interview: “I had a wonderful time but it was time to move on.”
ITV says budget cuts; Tonioli says choice. The absence of a public contract dispute means both stories could be true — leaving viewers with a classic showbiz he-said-she-said.
The implication: for a show that prides itself on continuity, losing a judge after only two series is unusual. The conflicting accounts make it hard for fans to know who to trust.
Did Bruno Tonioli get married?
Current relationship status
- Bruno Tonioli is not believed to be legally married (Heart).
- He has been with partner Jason Schanne since around 2010 (Heart).
Marriage plans
- No public statements indicate that Tonioli and Schanne plan to marry.
- The couple’s 2012 commitment ceremony remains the most formal step they have taken publicly.
A commitment ceremony gives them personal recognition without the legal strings of marriage — a choice that reflects their preference for privacy.
What is Bruno Tonioli’s net worth?
Sources of income
- Tonioli’s wealth comes from long-running TV judging roles on Strictly Come Dancing, Dancing with the Stars, and Britain’s Got Talent (The Sun).
- He also earned from choreography work and personal appearances.
Estimated net worth
- Estimates vary: around £8 million (The Sun) to about $10 million (PinkNews).
- No official financial disclosures exist, so these are industry estimates.
Without public accounts, net worth estimates are educated guesses. The real takeaway is that Tonioli has built a lucrative career from his choreography roots.
What is the age difference between Bruno Tonioli and his partner?
Partner’s age
- Jason Schanne was born in 1978, making him about 47 years old as of 2025 (Heart).
- He is a model by profession (Heart).
Age gap details
- Bruno Tonioli was born 25 November 1955, making him 15 years older than Schanne (Heart).
- The age gap is consistent with many celebrity relationships and has not been a subject of controversy.
Timeline signal
- 1955 – Born in Ferrara, Italy (Wikipedia)
- 1980s–1990s – Works as dancer and choreographer, collaborates with major artists
- 2004 – Joins Strictly Come Dancing as a judge (The Guardian)
- 2005 – Begins judging on Dancing with the Stars (US) (The Guardian)
- 2022 – Becomes a judge on Britain’s Got Talent (Wales Online)
- 2023 – Departs Britain’s Got Talent after two series (Wales Online)
Confirmed facts
- Bruno Tonioli was born on 25 November 1955 in Ferrara, Italy. (Wikipedia)
- He is openly gay and in a long-term relationship with Jason Schanne. (Heart)
- He judged on Strictly Come Dancing, Dancing with the Stars, and Britain’s Got Talent. (The Guardian)
- He left Britain’s Got Talent in 2023 after two series. (Wales Online)
What’s unclear
- Whether he was axed or left voluntarily. (Wales Online)
- Exact net worth figure (estimates vary). (The Sun vs. PinkNews)
- If he will return to either talent show.
What they said
“I had a wonderful time but it was time to move on.”
– Bruno Tonioli, on his departure from Britain’s Got Talent
“We thank Bruno for his contribution.”
– ITV spokesperson, statement on Bruno’s departure
For Bruno Tonioli, the next chapter is about focus. He remains on Dancing with the Stars in the US, and his energy is still very much in demand. For fans wondering whether he’ll ever return to UK talent shows, the answer likely depends on whether the format and the paycheck align. The choice is clear: stick with the show that made him a household name, or risk a reunion that may not live up to the hype.
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Frequently asked questions
How old is Bruno Tonioli?
Bruno Tonioli was born on 25 November 1955, making him 70 years old as of 2026. (Wikipedia)
Who is Bruno Tonioli’s partner?
His partner is Jason Schanne, a model. They have been together since around 2010. (Heart)
Does Bruno Tonioli have children?
No, Bruno Tonioli does not have children. (Heart)
What is Bruno Tonioli’s background?
He is Italian, born in Ferrara, and worked as a dancer and choreographer before becoming a TV judge. (Wikipedia)
How did Bruno Tonioli become famous?
He gained fame as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing (2004) and later Dancing with the Stars (2005). (The Guardian)
What is Bruno Tonioli’s relationship with Freddie Mercury?
There is no documented relationship between Bruno Tonioli and Freddie Mercury. This appears to be an internet rumor.
Is Bruno Tonioli still on Dancing with the Stars?
Yes, as of 2025, he continues to judge on Dancing with the Stars in the US. (The Guardian)
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Craig Newton is Senior Reporter at ScopePress.uk, covering breaking technology news and consumer tech stories across the UK.