That would be great, missing seeing what he comes up with on DWTS already. The fact that he is constantly innovating has made the other pros on DWTS up their game. I'm not sure he will go down well in the UK with those "its all about the journey" people but it would be great for those who want to see interesting and innovative dance routines.

More tabloid gossip that Derek definitely has a strictly contract and that he and Cheryl are moving in together (in a love nest)...

I will believe the contract bit when its confirmed - but still very sceptical...

Who would not return as the reigning champion on DWTS and take a pay cut (presumably) just to be on Strictly...

I am keeping fingers crossed its true..........I think it just might be.......he has won DWTS three times (is that right not too sure) now so returning as champion probably hasnt got the same pull anymore, I just get the feeling he might be up for a new challenge and perhaps its not all about money, fingers crossed.

Not sure any of the stuff about Cheryl is true though.

I believe he has won twice, once with Brooke Burke and then this year with Nicole S.

I think one of his incredible talents is when they are given theme dances to do and he is able to be very creative and yet do traditional steps, for instance, his futuristic paso and then the 50s paso. It seems almost impossible yet he comes up with spectacular choreography. He veers off with traditional dances and gets the Len lecture but the dance is still fantastic. An example was his quickstep with Nicole this year. An exciting dance but not really a quickstep.

The reigning champion wasn't invited back this for the last DWTS series - Kim won with Donny, but wasn't in the pro line up. There may have been a reason for this, but I never read anything about it.

She was considered to be too old - criminal - Kym Johnson is a great dancer and I'd be quite happy to see her as a pro on strictly

What that the official line or just the chat?

I can't imagine the amercian network (I think its ABC? ) being too happy with the bbc pinching one of its star dancers even if it is just for one series !

Where did you read this info?

I had read that she wanted a huge pay raise and she and the producers could not reach a deal and they passed on her. She is a great dancer and appeared in the pro dances so it seems that they have entirely severed ties.

Be interesting to see what happens. I would expect Strictly to have made Derek an offer purely for the interest from the press this would bag (because of the Cheryl connection).
He may be looking to raise his UK profile - easier to be a big fish in a small pond? - and Strictly could do that - witness the status and opportunities out current pro-dancers have been given - appearing on other TV shows etc.
Hope it is true. Would shake the show up a bit.

I think Derek is also looking towards working more as a choreographer and he still has the Ballas Hough Band (BHB) with Mark Ballas - they released their debute album last year.