Strictly Come Dancing professionals Anton Du Beke, Katya Jones and Gorka Marquez are reportedly worried they’ll be sacked by their new boss ahead of this year’s series.
Fellow dancer Pasha Kovalev announced he was quitting the show earlier this week after eight years and it’s been said his exit has left some of his co-stars concerned about their place on the programme.
According to The Sun, the dancers are “really worried” that the new show boss Sarah James is going to start a “mass cull and replace a lot of the current pros”.
Read more: Strictly fans beg bosses to replace Pasha Kovalev with Neil Jones
It’s been said that the pros feeling anxious about their place on the show are Katya – who was involved in a scandal last year after kissing her celerbrity partner Seann Walsh – Gorka and Anton as well as pro Karen Clifton.
A source told the publication: “Pasha’s surprise departure means a lot of the professionals are really worried.
“The dancers are wondering if the new show boss is going to start a mass cull and replace a lot of the current pros. They are messaging each other frantically as they try to work out what the plans are.
“Nobody saw Pasha leaving and the rumour mill has gone into overdrive, with everyone saying a few other names are going to be chopped — or at least announce it was their choice to leave the programme.”
The insider added that Anton is “worried he might not be asked back”.
A spokesman for Strictly told ED!: “The professional dancer line-up for 2019 will be announced in due course.”
ED! has contacted reps for Anton, Gorka, Karen, and Katya for further comment.
In December, it was confirmed that executive producer Sarah would be taking over from Louise Rainbow’s position on the show.
Meanwhile, earlier this week, Pasha announced he’s leaving the show and said he’s ready to “find a new challenge”.
In a statement shared to his Twitter page, he said: “After scoring 93 perfect tens, reaching four finals and lifting the Glitter Ball, it’s time for me to find a new challenge so I’ve decided to make this my final season on Strictly.
“I’ve had 8 fantastic years, full of wonderful memories, thanks to the incredible partners, professionals and myriad of behind the scenes teams who all work to make Strictly the amazing production that it is.”
A post from Strictly’s official Twitter account also expressed their sadness to see Pasha go.
— Pasha Kovalev (@PashaKovalev) 13 February 2019
Read more: Pasha Kovalev ‘quit Strictly because girlfriend Rachel Riley feared show’s curse’
They said: “Sadly after eight incredible series, the brilliant @PashaKovalev has decided to leave #Strictly.
“Pasha, from all of us, thank you for your amazing choreography and routines over the years. You’ll be sorely missed!”
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