BBC Strictly Come Dancing pros face the axe as bosses eye fresh start away from scandals

Strictly Come Dancing bosses are set to be ready to axe a number of the show's more senior professionals in a huge shake-up ahead of next series

The mainstay of Strictly Come Dancing looks set for a shake up with a number of professional dancers set for the chop, according to reports.

Currently airing its 20th season, viewers continue to watch on as some of the world's best ballroom dancers teach famous faces how to strut their stuff. However, with the show shrouded by controversy and scandals this year - including the inquest into Giovanni Pernice's actions - it's said bosses are ready to bring in a new wave of professional talent for next season.

It's reported up to five of the show's main stars are facing being axed, with names said to potentially included Neil Jones, Gorka Marquez and Katya Jones. With many of the more senior dancers being eliminated early in this year's contest, it's thought their time could soon be up. Meanwhile, Katya's controversial moments with current partner Wynne Evans are said to have angered bosses and potentially left her at risk.

It comes with the current crop of newer dancers wowing audiences and winning over fans online. This has included Vito Coppola, who has danced with Sarah Hadland, and Jowita Przystal, who has impressed alongside Pete Wicks. An insider told The Sun: "The review of the line-up has always been about making a fresh start, and that was always going to be affected by which dancers performed well this series."

They added there are a number of "fading" stars in the current line-up who can easily be replaced. Describing any move as "harsh", the insider claimed that's just part of the traditional turnover. "Of the five names in the mix almost all of them went out in the first half of the series, which is very much seen as a landmark point for Strictly," the source continued. "It couldn’t have come at a worse time for them, because Strictly bosses feel they need to make some major changes, even if that means big names leaving."

Of the names tipped to leave the show, popular Johannes Radebe is among them, although his exit is thought to be of his own accord. The 37-year-old South African dance sensation has been working as one of the professionals on the long-running show since 2018 and is currently paired with Gladiators star Montell Douglas, 38.

However, it's thought he's ready to quit and chase other dreams, including turning the story of his life into a film. It has been suggested he has landed a leading role in a huge stage musical - and that he would be kept on stage for at least seven months. This would make it impossible for him to participate in Strictly next year.

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