Darcey Bussell has stepped down as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing, prompting speculation about who will replace the ballet star on the BBC show’s panel.
The 49-year-old described her seven years on the hit series as “a complete privilege” and confirmed that she was “not leaving because of any upset or disagreement.”
“It has been a complete privilege for me to be part of Strictly, working with such a talented team,” she said in a statement released earlier today.
“I have enjoyed every minute of my time and will miss everyone from my fellow judges, the presenters, the dancers, the musicians, the entire back stage team, and especially the viewers of the show, who have been so supportive.”
“I am not leaving because of any upset or disagreement at all, I am just stepping away to give more focus to my many other commitments in dance, after seven truly wonderful years that I can’t imagine having gone any better.”
Her departure leaves a spare seat on the show’s judging panel, which currently consists of Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood and Shirley Ballas.
The BBC are yet to announce a replacement for Bussell, but that hasn’t stopped fans from speculating about who could take her place. Let’s take a look at some of the top candidates.
Oti Mabuse 6/4
The Strictly professional, who made her debut on the show in 2015, has already honed her judging skills as a team captain on the BBC’s The Greatest Dancer alongside Matthew Morrison and Cheryl.
Anton Du Beke 2/1
Fan favourite du Beke has appeared on the show since its debut in 2004 and undoubtedly has the dance experience and insight required to sit on the panel. However, he recently revealed that he is keen to dance on the show "to the bitter end," so he's perhaps not ready to hang up his dancing shoes just yet.
Karen Hardy 4/1
After appearing on Strictly between 2005 and 2008, Hardy now makes regular appearances on spin-off show It Takes Two, dishing out her professional opinion on contestants' performances
Brendan Cole 8/1
The New Zealand-born dancer appeared in 15 consecutive series of Strictly, but bowed out of the show in 2018
Alfonso Ribeiro 50/1
The Fresh Prince of Bel Air actor will forever be known for his iconic 'Carlton dance,' and stood in for Tonioli as a Strictly guest judge for one week during last year's contest.
