Well obviously Camilla is gone and i've just read Hayley Holt isn't coming back.

Does anyone know what other changes are being made? I thought it'd be a good idea to keep it all in one thread.

I'm hoping Ola and James are gone!

Ola and James are returning

According to her website, Erin will be returning - not sure about Anton though.

And Karen is out!

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-sto...5875-21567365/


JJ

I'm really stunned by this, mainly that it was apparently the BBC's decision. Whatever you think of her personality, Karen's been a world frickin champion and I think it really showed in that pro paso last year.

If she was going to go (regardless as to who decided what), then it was most certainly a missed opportunity not to draft her onto the Judges Panel.

Anyway, that's another discussion, back to this one - Karen's departure means that there's another vacancy it seems.

Maybe they'll bring back Nicole - please.

Of course we don't know the real reason Karen isn't doing it any more - it could be about money or exclusivity - but this is yet another BBC management gaff before Series 7 has even begun.

Do the BBC Execs actually have any brains whatsoever?

Can't see Erin doing it without Anton. Mind you he might be doing Hole in the Wall!!! I hope not, it won't be the same without him.

If they are looking for Anton to replace Bruce as the host next year then they might give him a year out, so as to distance him from the rest of the professional dancers. The BBC probably think that if he's not on Strictly this year we will see him as Anton - the TV presenter rather than Anton the pro dancer. Although personally I think he is always good value and would like to see him dance again this year.

I've heard he is doing Hole in the Wall but this time as the host instead of Dale Winton rather than captain of one of the teams. At least it means he won't get wet!

Hi FT *waves* and everyone else


Like you I think many fans would like that but its highly unlikely.


The Beeb does seem to be pushing dear old Anton into whatever presenter role they can find him aren't they?

I don't know anything about competitive dancing but I would have thought that the professional dancers who are in their twenties and being considered as replacement pros would be too busy on the competition circuit to give up potentially 6 months (scd & tour) of their year to the Beeb, or do most competitive dancers retire in their mid-to-late twenties?

A real shame to see Karen Hardy go.

I'll reserve judgement until I actually see the show but no Karen, no Arleen doesn't bode well for me. It seems like the show is sacrificing character for glitz, glamour and showbiz. I really hope not.

NOW does everyone believe me Karen's not back?! I'm having one of those "I told you so" moments

Any news on Darren and Lilia?

That report says Karen and others not being signed up. Well everyone knew that Camilla was not coming back and fairly certain Hayley wasnt, even though she is one of the 'young' ones.
So who else? Unless they are getting rid of Anton, but i cant believe that until it actually happens, the BBC get a lot of mileage out of Anton and he always adds a lot of humour to the proceedings. He has the personality for TV whereas some of the others are without it.

I doubt they will get rid of Anton, because he is very funny and brings a lot to the show, as well as being a fabulous dancer!

Karen said several times last year she was thinking of going, so the report today sounds like tabloid trouble-making. No everyone who leaves is being kicked out.

If Karen's not coming back that leaves Matt C without a partner (if you assume the two new girls are for Brendan/Ian) but whichever way you look at it they will need a new third female pro ??

btw....Matt C has said he's coming back.

The BBC are a disgrace - what is fair for one is fair for another and if they AXE females for being too old they should then start in on the men - Surely Anton cannot do another year?? His latin is becoming more laughable each year and being well over 40 he surely is to old as well seeing Karen is 39

.

Hi Bendy, not seen you around for a while.

Agree about the BBC, total waste of space really.

Not so sure I agree totally about Anton. Yep his Latin is a legend But James and Ola's Ballroom is just as bad. They manage to blag their way through as do most of the Latin dancers. However he adds a lot to the show, he has a lot more personality than most of the others. I guess he is well past 45 in truth.

according to Brendan's website he's coming back this year (whoo hoo)

True, it could have been a simple case of Karen saying that she wanted to do other things (in addition to, or instead of SCD, we don't know), and the BBC did not actively persuade her to stay (by way of protracted talks, increased opportunities etc).

Oh God! I was hoping we'd seen the last of those two. Seeing him every week may even be enough to make me not watch this year.

These were the results of the 'Your Top Professional' vote I did last year.

17th Hayley Holt 1.72%
16th Ola Jordan 3.29%
15th Karen Hardy 4.23%
14th Brendan Cole 4.35%
13th James Jordan 4.36%
12th Camilla Dallerup 4.44%
11th Nicole Cutler 4.61%
10th Anton du Beke 5.92%
09th Vincent Simone 6.10%
08th Darren Bennett 6.39%
07th Flavia Cacace 6.66%
06th Erin Boag 7.20%
05th Brian Fortuna 7.30%
04th Kristina Rihanoff 7.80%
03rd Lilia Kopylova 8.13%
02nd Ian Waite 8.18%
01st Matthew Cutler 9.31%

It's no surprise Hayley is gone and I wouldn't blame them if they have booted Karen because overall she isn't popular at all. But why oh why do we have to have James and Ola back again? I cannot stand James he has the most awful attitude.