Neil and Katya To Switch Places?

According to reports, Neil Jones will finally get a celebrity partner this year, while Katya warms the bench.

The pro lineup was confirmed some while ago, but there has been no official word on who will get a partner. The Sun reports that Katya will miss out this year, due to the Seann Walsh incident.

A source told the paper: “Katya knows she is being punished for her actions and the scandal she caused. She feels BBC bosses are saying she can’t be trusted to act professionally with a celebrity. It is frustrating as she has put so much time and effort into the new series. But producers were adamant. While they let her stay in the cast they can’t condone her behaviour or all the drama she caused. No one is bigger than the show.”

If the reports are true, it's a shame that we'll miss out on Katya's creative choreography. But there isn't enough room in the series for all the pros.

Of course, if Katya is out and Neil is in, there is still a slot to replace Pasha up for grabs, which would then be filled by Luba or Johannes. I think having two pros who have not previously competed will shake it up a bit.

Darcey Departs

Dame Darcey Bussell will not be returning as a judge on Strictly this year.

Dame Darcey has been part of the show for seven years, but wants to devote more time to other projects.

In a BBC press release yesterday, she said: "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. I know I will miss being part of this unique show and the fact that it celebrates dance is something I am so passionate about. I hope that I may be very lucky to be asked back again one day."

This will spark speculation about a replacement. Personally, I can't see it being someone from the Latin and Ballroom world, because that is Shirley's role. There has only ever been one speciallist on the panel.

I'd like to see another dancer or choreographer with no previous Strictly connection. Someone like Kate Prince of ZooNation (who is probably far too busy) or Matthew Bourne (likewise).

Interesting times ahead...