Motsi Mabuse has reportedly signed up for a stage tour – and it starts just as Strictly Come Dancing is in full flow.
According to insiders, the 39-year-old judge has still not yet agreed a contract to appear on the BBC show this autumn.
She is said to be "still speaking" to TV bosses with Strictly set to begin filming in September.
This autumn Motsi is joining German production Let's Dance and will be a part of the forthcoming theatre tour, it has been claimed.
But there's a big overlap – even though BBC bosses have today moved to cool fears that she won't be apart of the next series.
Motsi's commitment begins in November, just as Strictly reaches a crucial stage.
The Frankfurt-based star's decision has caused a re-think but the BBC fully expect her to be a part of Strictly 2021.
A spokesperson said: “Motsi will be doing the next series, we will be working out the schedule as we have done in the past.”
A source told The Sun: “Producers have been pulling their hair out as they struggle to get all of their judges in the right place for the live shows.
“Motsi’s fans in Germany are buying show tickets expecting to see her live.
“Producers want to avoid relying too much on video links, especially as they’re paying big money for talent. It’s a real schedule clash.”
The show's judges all earned between £150,000 and £250,000 last year.
On last Thursday's edition of Steph’s Packed Lunch, Strictly star Anton du Beke confirmed he will be returning.
Anton replaced Motsi when she was self-isolating following a trip to Germany.
Steph started the show by celebrating the news: “Some good news about Strictly, Anton! You’ve signed up for another series.”
Anton replied: “Yes indeed, I can't wait!
“I’ve got to win before the knees play up and whilst they are still going well! I’ve had the great fortune of being there since the beginning and this must be like the 19th series that we’ve done.
"I feel honoured, privileged, and proud that I’ve been there since the beginning. It just fills me with absolute immense amounts of joy.”
Steph continued: “It wouldn’t be Strictly without Anton, would it?”
Anton laughs: “I often think that and say it a lot. Not everybody feels the same way. Thank you very much indeed. I still love it as much now as I did at the very beginning."
