Originally Posted by Servalan:
“You may know more than I do - but, from everything I've read, I have the distinct impression that the professionals did not know what the BBC was saying to each of their agents and that deals were struck with those competing ahead of the others ... but then, instead of striking deals for the dancers intended to be part of the pro's group, the BBC announced what they were doing to the media. So the first the gang of five knew was what appeared on the website and in the press - they weren't told about what was planned, and nor were the pro's contracted to compete. Kristina might have known her own deal was done but assumed that Brian's was pending.”
I'm not trying to claim any insider knowledge
I just think the situation of Kristina assuming couldn't have happened between Darren and Lilia. They have the same agent, so they will know if something different is being said to one over the other. After Nicole's departure, I also very much doubt one would sign if the other did not yet have a contract.
If Kristina had known Brian wasn't being asked back, perhaps she would have come back anyway, perhaps not. But Darren and Lilia and a couple of the other 'real' partnerships would make damn sure they were both being offered contracts before they signed.
Whether it was all done above board or not, I suspect what saved Kristina was the looser nature of her partnership with Brian (that's not a dig by the way, I don't subscribe to the idea that the pros should be striking in protest or something... if they're not proper partnerships they should be looking after their own interests, particularly if like Kristina they have dependents). Realistically, once the BBC decided to ditch Darren, they knew they had ditched Lilia. They only needed to lose one female to make the numbers work, so it was done.