Strictly Come Dancing stars appeared in high spirits as they exited their hotel on Friday – after it was reported that some of the show’s biggest professionals could be at risk of being axed in a huge shake-up.
Over the last year, the beloved BBC show has been hit by a string of scandals, and now sources are claiming that bosses plan to bring in a new generation of young dancers, with up to five professional dancers at risk.
Among those at risk are thought to be Nadiya Bychkova, Neil Jones, Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez and Katya Jones, four of which have already been eliminated from this year’s competition.
However, Aljaž Škorjanec, 34, Dianne Buswell, 35, Chris McCausland, 47, Craig Revel Horwood, 59, and Lauren Oakley, 33, have not let the news dampen their spirits as they beamed for the cameras ahead of rehearsals.
Aljaž looked raring to go as he gave a positive thumbs up to the cameras and strolled along with a brew in his hand.
Strictly stars (Lauren Oakley pictured) appeared in high spirits as they were seen for the first time – after it was reported that some of the professionals could be at risk in a shake-up
Aljaž Škorjanec, 34, looked raring to go on Friday as he gave a positive thumbs up to the cameras and strolled along with a brew in his hand
He cut a comfortable figure in a multicoloured fleece jacket, a plain black T-shirt, and chocolate brown ribbed jogging bottoms.
Meanwhile, Lauren wrapped up from the cold in a black shell puffer coat teaming it with a red button-up top and a pair of black crinkle textured trousers.
While Dianne cut a stylish figure in a beige trench coat as she strolled along on her phone before climbing into a car with her dance partner Chris.
Strictly judge Craig however, cut a quirky figure in a white shirt which boasted a paint splattering effect and a hot pink collar.
He teamed the snazzy shirt with a smart dark grey blazer and matching trousers as he patiently waited with his belongings.
Following the rumours of a professional shake-up, a source 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.’
‘The feeling is that the Strictly troupe is made up of some fading stars, while others are rising stars.’
‘And in many cases, there are certain characters whose shoes can easily be filled with younger, up-and-coming counterparts. It’s harsh but it’s just part of the traditional turnover of showbusiness.’
While Dianne Buswell, 35, cut a stylish figure in a beige trench coat as she strolled along on her phone before climbing into a car with her dance partner Chris McCausland, 47
Chris cut a casual figure in a grey hoody and navy blue joggers as he left the hotel
He teamed a pair of white trainers and a grey baseball cap with his casual ensemble
Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood, 59, however, cut a quirky figure in a white shirt which boasted a paint splattering effect and a hot pink collar
He teamed the snazzy shirt with a smart dark grey blazer and matching trousers as he patiently waited with his belongings
A representative for Strictly Come Dancing declined to comment. MailOnline has contacted representatives for Nadiya Bychkova, Neil Jones, Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez and Katya Jones for comment.
It was previously reported back in July that some of Strictly’s biggest professional names were at risk of being axed, as bosses planned to bring in some fresh young names.
A source told The Sun: ‘There’s the fear that being on the show leaves them more open to feeling entitled and untouchable.’
‘It’s not a done deal, and it’s not just going to be a case of the oldest or longest-serving being shown the door. It would be a carefully considered process, with other factors taken into account too.’
Before adding: ‘The fact that the BBC are even considering making big changes and bringing in fresh blood is a sign of how keen they are to move on and make every effort to ensure nothing like this happens again.’
Strictly’s milestone 20th year has been marred by scandal – after actress Amanda Abbington unexpectedly quit the show last October before claiming her partner Giovanni Pernice was abusive towards her. He was later cleared of ten of her 16 allegations.
Elsewhere, fellow pro Johannes Radebe, 37, has denied rumours that he is leaving the dance show amid claims he had landed two new roles
The show was then hit with a fresh wave of scandal when Graziano Di Prima was sacked in July for ‘kicking’ his partner, Love Island star Zara McDermott.
Elsewhere, fellow pro Johannes Radebe, 37, has denied rumours that he is leaving the dance show amid claims he had landed two new roles.
It was reported earlier this week that the South African dancer, who has become a fan-favourite since he joined the show in 2018, had landed two huge projects in 2025, with sources claiming his schedule is too jam-packed for a return to the ballroom.
A source told The Sun: ‘Johannes is hugely loved on the show and there isn’t an atom of bad feeling about him leaving.’
‘Of course, bosses will probably try to find a way to bring him back at some point and he would no doubt consider returning.’
‘But for now, he just has too much to juggle alongside the contest. It isn’t just the announced projects that he’s working on, there are other opportunities in the pipeline too, which he can now explore further.’
However, Johannes has since squashed speculation about his place on the hit dance show.
In a video uploaded to his Instagram on Thursday, the star jokingly sang and danced along to a song about not leaving.
Dressed in a grey T-shirt and black trousers he shimmied and hummed along to the tune.
He then joined in and loudly sang along with the lyrics which included: ‘I go nowhere, nowhere.’
He broke off singing to address the rumours about his next career move.
Speaking directly to the camera in the dance studio he said: ‘I’m going nowhere, nowhere. It’s a lie. Lies upon many lies.’
The professional dancer then started to back away from the camera, shaking his hips and singing along before pulling in his dance partner Gladiators star Montell Douglas, for a spin.
The star captioned his video: ‘I’m not going nowhere! The story isn’t true – I love @bbcstrictly and I want to do this beautiful show for as long as they want me – and the body will allow.’
‘I have Kinky Boots and other work in the pipeline yes but nothing will take me away. Love you all Jojo Xx’
