Bruno Tonioli Joined The Mob for Wine
Bruno Tonioli planned on drinking wine at a Tuscan villa when he agreed to join the celebrity game show The Mob, USA Today reported. The choreographer instead found himself shoved into the back of a windowless van on his first day of filming. He spoke about the surprise during an interview published on November 10, 2026.
The Hulu series features famous faces competing in mob-inspired jobs for up to $250,000 in cash prizes. Tonioli admitted he did not expect the game to feel so intense right away. “I thought, ‘What is going on?’ I really had a laugh, but I had a good time,” he told USA Today.
Tonioli noted that he initially hesitated to accept the role, as he is accustomed to his commitments on Dancing with the Stars, Britain’s Got Talent, and Strictly Come Dancing. However, he reconsidered after seeing photos of the filming location in Chianti, Italy, stating, “You can’t turn this down.”
Elimination From The Hulu Game Show
Joe Gorga eliminated Tonioli in Episode 3 because of the dancer’s growing alliance with Demi Engemann, according to Yardbarker. Tonioli acknowledged that he and Engemann drew too much attention early in the competition. “I didn’t strategize and it was my mistake,” he told USA Today.
Yardbarker reported that Tonioli bonded with several other cast members, including Debi Mazar and former contestants from Dancing with the Stars. He even gave yoga lessons to Romeo Miller to help with back tension. Tonioli remarked, “I should have been a little more sneaky, but it’s not in my nature.”
Dancing with the Stars Judging Evolution
Tonioli has judged Dancing with the Stars since its 2005 debut on ABC. He described the current iteration of the competition as the “Super Bowl of dance” in his interview with USA Today. The judging panel applies much stricter standards today because the professional dancers and celebrities have elevated overall performance quality.
Tonioli discussed his instinctive judging style during a joint appearance on Extra with Derek Hough and Terri Seymour. When asked why he stands up during notes, he called it an instinctive effort to build a connection. He also confessed to Extra that production crews actually nail his chair to the floor to keep him from falling out. Regarding his future on the program, the 70-year-old judge stated, “I genuinely love what I do.”
Production and Personal Life
Tonioli credits his ability to provide vivid critiques to his habit of reading books, though he notes, “But usually really the cast that inspires me.” Outside of the ballroom, he maintains a reputation as a home cook, a skill he developed in his youth in Ferrara, Italy, watching his grandmother prepare meals for eight people daily. When asked about his technique, he explained, “What it is the simplicity, but it has to be fresh and cooked and eaten.”
Why Bruno Tonioli left The Mob and his future plans
Why was Bruno Tonioli eliminated from The Mob?
Joe Gorga whacked Tonioli in Episode 3 due to Tonioli’s strong alliance with Demi Engemann, which other players viewed as too powerful too early.
Which reality show does Bruno Tonioli want to join next?
Tonioli told USA Today he would love to cover for Alan Cumming and host The Traitors if the opportunity arose.
How long has Bruno Tonioli judged Dancing with the Stars?
Tonioli has served as an original judge on the dance competition series since it premiered in 2005.
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