STRICTLY Come Dancing fans suspect that a show legend will quit the competition.
As well as the favourite face potentially side-stepping away, there are also concerns that the entire series could be pushed back.
The panic started when Johannes Radebe excitedly announced that he had been cast in new Kinky Boots which will be touring the UK and Ireland in 2025.
The professional dancer, who was most recently partnered up with Annabel Croft, will be on tour from January next year – which has worried fans.
“This year seems to have a few unique circumstances – Johannes seemingly being occupied with his tour rehearsals in the latter part of the season,” one wrote on a Reddit thread.
“Johannes is also in a show from mid-Jan so he probably won’t be in rehearsals during strictly but I wonder if it will impact his involvement,” wrote another.
Another concerned viewer wrote: “Are there any events that might push it back this year?”
The show has been gripped by rumours, with many wondering how long some of the professional dancers will last. Let's take a look at the recent speculation
Gorka Marquez: The dancer revealed that he’d landed a judging role on the Spanish version of Strictly Come Dancing in January. Many fans wondered if that would mean he would no longer have time for the English show.
Giovanni Pernice: Giovanni was accused of sparking PTSD with his former dance partner Amanda Abbinton. This sparked a string of accusations against him, Faye Tozer being one of them. She said his intense training style left her ‘in tears’. The BBC has said that he will be returning to the show in the Autumn.
Karen Hauer: After she and partner Eddie Kaddie lost the dance-off to Zara McDermott early in the show, many fans wondered if her heart was still in the show. Her 2021 partner Greg Wise, 2022 partner Jayde Adams and Eddie have all left before Halloween week.
“The Olympics?” one replied.
A few others also wondered if the Olympics, which are taking place in Paris in July and August, would force the show to be delayed.
Johannes has shared his excitement over the show on his socials, writing: “I’m currently on the road with my tour, haven’t had a minute to take it all in…but I needed to take time out to say thank you for all your encouraging messages and support about @kinkyboots_uk
“It’s overwhelmingly beautiful to be a part of such a beloved musical I’m thrilled for us all that it’s returning…It’s all kicked off, tickets are now on sale for some venues. 
“Thank you darlings, see you there.”
As well as Johannes’ new job, other fans shared their worry about Shirley Ballas.
The judge recently revealed that she had to have three biopsies after a breast cancer scare.
Thankfully, all of her tests have returned clear – which she said she felt “blessed by”.
The hit BBC dancing show has been rocked by drama and speculation over the last few months – fuelling the growing concerns.
In January there were whisperings about Gorka Marquez leaving the programme after he landed a role as a judge on the Spanish version of Strictly.
There were question marks around Karen Hauer’s future on the show too after her attitude was “off”.
Viewers felt like her heart was no longer in the show after having a string of unsuccessful dance partners.
