A major shake-up is underway for BBC1's 'Strictly Come Dancing', with new producers expected to axe up to five professional dancers. The overhaul follows the departure of executive producer Moira Ross, who left to front 'The Voice'. Insiders have described the upcoming changes as a 'bloodbath', with several established dancers facing an uncertain future.
Husband and wife professionals James and Ola Jordan, who were unexpectedly dropped from the recent Strictly tour, admitted they are 'very nervous'. James, 33, said: 'If they want to change it, there is nothing we can do. We survived before Strictly so we just have to keep our fingers crossed. We really want to stay on.' Kristina Rihanoff, 34, who met boyfriend Joe Calzaghe on the show, added: 'It is the thing we want to do – but you do get nervous because it is a thing you love and you want to be there.'
Vincent Simone, 32, who was eliminated in the first week last year after being paired with former MP Edwina Currie, commented: 'The whole team is going to be changing. They're running with their own thing before they call us, so it'll be a while before we know what's happening.' A show source indicated some dancers are 'almost certain' not to make the cut, with the new producers bringing in fresh faces to keep the show fresh.
The judging panel will also see a change after Alesha Dixon quit for ITV1's 'Britain's Got Talent'. James Jordan urged the new team to hire a 'young and beautiful' judge to balance out Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli, saying: 'Let's hope it's someone young and beautiful who comes in because if you've got those three ugly blokes on there it's not nice to look at. We need someone sexy.'
