STRICTLY Come Dancing fans are convinced they’ve spotted Graziano Di Prima’s replacement in a new cast photo.
Yesterday the BBC show released a first look at its pro line-up in rehearsals ahead of the new series.
The training space was full of beaming smiles despite the controversy surrounding the programme following the axing of Graziano Di Prima for spitting and kicking at Zara McDermott and an investigation into Giovanni Pernice’s conduct in rehearsals.
Hidden among the returning professionals in the new photo was a face familiar to some of Strictly fans.
Astute viewers recognised professional dancer Joshua Keefe and think he’d be the perfect addition to the programme’s main roster.
One person wrote in a forum: “Joshua is back?? Please, make him a pro this year!”
Another agreed, adding: “This! 100% this! I would love to see him with a partner on Strictly.”
A third said: “That’s Josh Keefe, he was a pro on the Australian version and has been in a few Strictly pro routines.”
Joshua certainly has the pedigree for it having starred in the Strictly ensemble in past series’ and performed on the latest arena tour.
He has also been a choreographer on Dancing With The Stars Ireland and a competitor on Dancing With The Stars: All Stars with his friend and RuPaul legend Courtney Act.
Courtney commented on the Strictly pic: “I spy with my little eye something beginning with M!
“It’s my amazing dance partner Mr @joshuakeefedancer! How exciting he’s back on the Strictly team!!! Next step convince them to have us on the Christmas Special, Mr Joshua!!!”
Hinting that it might come true, Joshua replied: “haha working on it! love you.”
Last night we revealed BBC chiefs are considering a cull of long-serving dancers after alleged abusive behaviour on the show.
Up to five professionals could face the axe next year in the wake of the scandals surrounding Giovanni and Graziano.
Execs believe the misconduct being alleged could be fuelled by popular, veteran stars feeling they are “entitled and untouchable”.
Giovanni, 33, was on the BBC One show for nine years and Graziano, 30, for five.
Other pros have been there for longer.
A TV insider said: “There isn’t much they can do to change the line up for this year’s crisis-hit show, but the feeling is that Strictly needs to make a fresh start in 2025.
“There’s the fear that being on the show leaves them more open to feeling entitled and untouchable.
“So for many of the pros turning up for rehearsals this week, it may be their last time.
“It’s not a done deal, and it’s not just going to be a case of the oldest or longest-serving being shown the door. It would be a carefully considered process, with other factors taken into account too.
“The fact that the BBC are even considering making big changes and bringing in fresh blood is a sign of how keen they are to move on and make every effort to ensure nothing like this happens again.
“That could mean saying goodbye to some of the best-known pros — both male and female — but when it comes to Strictly, nobody is ever bigger than the show.”
The BBC has already pledged to replace Graziano — sacked after it emerged he had kicked celeb partner Zara McDermott in rehearsals — with a newcomer rather than a former veteran.
And although former Strictly star Aljaž Škorjanec, 34, replaces Gio this series, the Beeb has yet to say if the swap is permanent.
It all hangs on whether allegations of bullying made against him by celeb partner Amanda Abbington, 50, are shown to be true.
Giovanni has denied all claims. But if he does not return he could also be replaced by a newcomer.
Strictly chiefs expect at least one pro to quit every two years and they have the power to leave others without a dance partner, effectively sidelining them.
Filming for the 22nd series starts on August 21, with the launch on September 4.
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