Anton Du Beke has emerged as a firm favourite to replace Darcey Bussell on the Strictly judging panel.
The 52-year-old dancer has been with the BBC show since it began in 2004 and has proved to be popular with viewers as well as his fellow dancers.
Bookies have already placed Anton as their favourite to replace the outgoing Darcey, with former Strictly professional Karen Hardy not far behind.
They are both being given a run for their money by 28-year-old Oti Mabuse, who impressed as a coach on BBC's The Greatest Dancer, alongside singer Cheryl.
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Now a source at the BBC dance show has told The Sun that Anton is the cast and crew's choice to step up to the judge's chair.
They said that "loveable Anton" is the "cast's favourite choice" and some believe "it’s time for him to hang up his dancing shoes and sit on the other side of the table."
In a back-handed compliment about Anton's dance skills, the source called him a "well-loved professional" but pointed out that "his glory years are over."
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Anton has already taken a shot at the judge's panel, when he auditioned to replace Len Goodman as head judge, which was given to 58-year-old Shirley Ballas.
He is often placed "with the novelty act" in each series and "isn't a real contender" to get to the final, let alone win the Glitterball Trophy.
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Darcey's announcement to leave has been greeted with surprise but fellow Strictly judge Craig Revel-Horwood, 54, rubbished rumours that her decision was prompted by a row over pay, fallouts with other judges or issues with how the Strictly curse was taking over the BBC show.
He said she is keen to embrace other dance projects, particularly ballet. Craig said: “She’s done seven years and she loves it and she has a great time.
“It’s going to be really sad seeing her go, obviously, because I love sitting next to her and I don’t know who’s going to take her place – no idea. But it’s a good thing she wants to do other things.”
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