Jodie Sweetin's Unexpected DWTS Warning to Danielle Fishel, Plus Bruno Tonioli's Return
Ahead of the season 34 premiere of Dancing With the Stars (DWTS), former contestant Jodie Sweetin offered a surprising piece of advice to newcomer Danielle Fishel. Meanwhile, fans are relieved as Bruno Tonioli confirms his return to the judging panel after leaving "Britain's Got Talent."
Sweetin's Costume Caution
On Fishel's podcast, 'Danielle With The Stars,' Sweetin, who competed on DWTS in 2016, shared a crucial tip regarding costumes. "The costumes are really fun but I will warn you do not dance in your costume until dress rehearsal," she cautioned.
This surprised Fishel, who assumed dress rehearsal would occur the day before the show. Sweetin clarified that camera blocking is done without costumes, and the dress rehearsal is actually on the day of the show. She explained that the weight and construction of the costumes, like a 12-pound beaded dress she wore for her samba, can significantly affect performance. She warned that "things you may be doing in gym clothes, all of the sudden [the costume] makes it a little bit different."
Jodie Sweetin's DWTS Experience
Jodie Sweetin competed in season 22 of DWTS, finishing in 8th place with partner Keo Motsepe. "We got along so well and we had so much fun and I was actually really grateful to him as a teacher because he was patient but pushed me," Sweetin said about Motsepe. Her season also included Mischa Barton, Geraldo Rivera, and Ginger Zee, with Nyle DiMarco ultimately winning the mirrorball trophy.
Bruno Tonioli Prioritizes DWTS
Bruno Tonioli announced his departure from "Britain’s Got Talent" (BGT) due to scheduling conflicts, prioritizing his role as a judge on DWTS. He confirmed his return in an Instagram post stating that he will be judging the show alongside Carrie Ann Inaba and Derek Hough.
Fans expressed relief and excitement at Tonioli's return. One user wrote, "Bruno I thought you were going to say you couldn’t do DWTS. So glad you’re back in the ballroom." Hough shared the same enthusiasm, writing, “You’re all ours. Muahahahah,” in the comments.
"Britain's Got Talent" Replacement
BGT revealed that popular YouTuber KSI (Olajide Olatunji) will be taking over Bruno Tonioli’s spot. KSI stepped in as a guest judge on the previous BGT season. Tonioli had replaced David Walliams in 2023 after Walliams had served for a decade. Before BGT, Tonioli also worked on the UK equivalent of DWTS, “Strictly Come Dancing,” before leaving after nearly 20 years in 2022.
DWTS Season 34 Premiere
Dancing with the Stars season 34 premieres Tuesday, September 16 on ABC. Tonioli shared a video of the cast reveal on Instagram, writing, “Get ready to be Dazzled.”
