Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Kristina Rihanoff has tipped Nicole Scherzinger for a spot on the show’s judging panel after Darcey Bussell announced her departure.
The dancer described former X Factor star Scherzinger as “wonderful,” and suggested that her “professional training” in “street and commercial dancing” would make her a worthy addition to the BBC competition.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain, the 41-year-old said that she would “love” to be a judge one day, but is currently more focused on other creative projects.
“Of course I would love to be a judge,” she said. “But I don’t see myself in that role just yet. I love doing choreography and creative stuff.
“I do think that the panel needs another woman and someone from a different background to ballroom dancing, someone from street dancing or commercial dancing background, who is also a professional dancer and perhaps a judge.”
Naming Scherzinger as a potential replacement, she said: “She’s a beautiful stunning lady who has professional training in street and commercial dancing. She would be a good judge. On X Factor she was wonderful.”
Rihanoff also cited US choreograph Mandy Moore as another possibility.
“We all loved the La La Land movie and the wonderful Mandy Moore, who was the choreographer for that movie and she is a judge on So You Think You Can Dance in America,” she said.
“She choreographed a lot of wonderful numbers on Strictly with us pros. We all loved her. She would be great.”
Former ballet dancer Bussell announced last week that she has stepped down from the show’s judging panel “to give more focus to [her] many other commitments in dance.”
“It has been a complete privilege for me to be part of Strictly, working with such a talented team,” she said in a statement.
“I have enjoyed every minute of my time and will miss everyone, from my fellow judges, the presenters, the dancers, the musicians, the entire back stage team and especially the viewers of the show.
“I am not leaving because of any upsets at all, I am just stepping away to give more focus to my many other commitments in dance.
“I know I will miss being part of this unique show. I hope that I may be very lucky to be asked back again one day.”
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV from 6am.
