'Strictly' Bruno Tonioli backs Kara Tointon to replace Alesha Dixon

Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli has backed Kara Tointon to replace Alesha Dixon.

It was revealed earlier this month that Dixon had quit the BBC One show to join ITV1's Britain's Got Talent.

Various names have since been linked to the show and Tonioli has recommended former winners Tointon and Jill Halfpenny for the role.

Speaking of Dixon's departure, Tonioli told the Sunday Mirror: "It's showbiz, these things happen. I was in the Caribbean sunbathing when I heard.

"I think Kara would be very good as a replacement as she is a ­champion and feisty. Jill Halfpenny would also be very good for the same reasons. I don't think a decision will be made until June or July when we have regrouped.



"I'm surprised Alesha quit, but that's the industry and I think she will be great on Britain's Got Talent. We'll carry on and we will come back bigger and better than ever."

Tointon won the show in 2010 with her dance partner and now fiancé Artem Chigvintsev, while Halfpenny danced to victory with Darren ­Bennett in 2004.

It was recently reported that last year's contestant Russell Grant is being considered as Alesha Dixon's replacement on Strictly Come Dancing.

Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Karen Hardy and ex-judge Arlene Phillips have also been linked to the vacant role.