Strictly Come Dancing bosses are said to be close to signing up Brendan Cole’s replacement – and the hot favourite already has a strong link with the show.
According to a new report, BBC producers have got their eye on Katya Jones’ husband Neil, who already works as both a professional dancer and choreographer for Strictly.
Neil has previously performed in the group dances and even partnered celebrity contestant Judy Murray in last year’s Christmas special.
And like his wife Katya, Neil is said to be highly popular among the cast and crew.
Read more: Mark Wright reveals why Michelle Keegan won’t appear on Strictly
Alan Dedicoat, Strictly Come Dancing’s voice-over artist, is said to have told The Sun: “Neil Jones is doing it this year.
“He’s always been on the show but not coupled with someone, so it’ll be interesting to see how he does.”
Earlier this year, fans were left stunned after Strictly Come Dancing stalwart Brendan was axed from the show.
Brendan, 42, confirmed the news during an interview on ITV1’s Lorraine and admitted he was “shocked” not to have been invited back for Strictly’s 16th series.
At the time, he said: “This is quite hard to talk about. The BBC haven’t renewed my contract – we get renewed year on year – and they made an editorial decision not to have me back on the show.
“I’m a little bit in shock. I’m quite emotional, a bit raw about it.”
In response, Strictly issued a statement saying: “We’d like to thank Brendan Cole for being part of the show since the beginning – winner of the first series – and for the contribution he has made to its success.
“We wish him all the very best for the future.”
However, despite his Strictly heartache, Brendan has since shown he feels no resentment towards his former co-stars by wishing them luck for the new series, which kicks off in the autumn.
In a video clip posted on Instagram less than two weeks ago, Brendan said: “This is a message to all of my Strictly friends who are back in the studio today, today is day one of season 16.
“Guys, wishing you all the very best for the brand new season.”
He continued: “For the new guys, congratulations for joining the show, you’re going to have a ball and to my old friends, missing you lots.
“But I can’t wait to hear and see what you’ve been up to and we’ll catch up very soon.”
Read more: Strictly’s Sophie Ellis Bextor is pregnant with her fifth child
This year’s celebrity line-up is just days away from being confirmed, but rumoured names have included This Morning’s Dr Ranj Singh, Steps star Faye Tozer and Coronation Street’s Catherine Tyldesley
You haven’t got long to wait though, as Strictly host Tess Daly confirmed on Thursday that the official list will start being announced next week!
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