Rumour has it that Strictly Come Dancing bosses could be forced to look for a new judge and the hot tips to land a seat on the panel have now been revealed.
It emerged at the weekend that long-standing Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli may be forced to miss shows in the new series or opt out all together due to coronavirus.
The Sun reports that the 64-year-old's appearance on Strictly 2020 may be in some doubt due to restrictions on flights between the UK and US, where he judges the American version of Strictly, Dancing with the Stars.
He normally flies between the two countries so he can honour commitments on both shows but that might not be possible this year, leading to speculation on who might replace him.
In the past, former Fresh Prince of Bel Air star Alfonso Ribeiro has stepped in but the hot favourites with bookmakers Betway are currently Strictly pro Anton Du Beke and Cheryl, who of course has judging pedigree from her time on both The X Factor and The Greatest Dancer and was a very talented ballet dancer as a child.
Surprising outsiders are 'Dancing Queen' former PM Theresa May and ex-contestant Ann Widdecombe, while Arlene Phillips, who was famously axed from the panel 11 years ago is also on the list.
The current odds in full are:
Cheryl - 6/4
Anton Du Beke - 5/2
Kevin Clifton - 8/1
Oti Mabuse - 8/1
Carlos Acosta - 10/1
Alesha Dixon - 14/1
Denise Van Outen - 16/1
Todrick Hall - 20/1
Arlene Phillip s- 33/1
Courtney Act - 33/1
Ann Widdecombe - 100/1
Theresa May - 100/1
Betway’s Chad Yeomans said: “2020’s socially distanced Strictly Come Dancing will be like nothing we have seen before from the BBC show, and the same can be said for the celebrated judging panel. Bruno Tonioli is looking set to put down his UK score paddles and solely focus stateside on the US version, Dancing With The Stars.
"This creates space for a new dancing superstar to round out the fierce foursome. Princess of Pop, Cheryl is at head of the market at 6/4 to quickstep into the vacant seat. But Strictly veteran and fan favourite, Anton Du Beke is at hot on her tail at 5/2 to foxtrot his way onto the judging panel.”
