Simon Cowell tried to hire me, says 'Strictly's Bruno Tonioli

Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli has revealed that Simon Cowell discussed the possibility of hiring him.

The choreographer, who is close friends with the Syco boss, told the Daily Mail that he hasn't ruled out working with Cowell on future projects.

"Simon likes [Strictly] so much he'd buy it if he could," Tonioli said. "And his mum loves it too, which doesn't help. He's asked me about things. I can't exclude the possibility. It would be great to do something with him, but it has to be the right thing."



Speaking of Cowell poaching Alesha Dixon for Britain's Got Talent, he continued: "Oh, that was sneaky. I should have known because I know Simon very well. He should have told me. It wasn't a shock. I had a laugh with Alesha so I have no problems. It's her decision and nothing to do with me.

"Only she knows [why she left Strictly], but it's probably something to do with lots and lots of money. I do Strictly for love, not money. You can't compare our salaries to The X Factor judges' because the BBC would never pay that."

Tonioli added that Dixon's exit won't damage the Strictly brand because it is "bigger than any of us" and suggested that the show returns with the three remaining judges rather than replace her.