Darcey Bussell’s Strictly Come Dancing replacement could be a familiar face, with one name storming to the top of the list of people tipped to join the judging panel.
After seven years on the BBC series, Darcey confirmed she was stepping down from her role on Wednesday, releasing a statement.
Now, a number of names including former and current Strictly stars have been thrown into the mix of potential people taking her place.
Oti Mabuse is the leading name according to bookmakers Betfair, placing her at odds of 6/4 to be the new judge.
It comes after her appearance as a coach on fellow BBC dancing show The Greatest Dancer alongside Cheryl.
Closely behind is one of the show’s longest serving professional dancers, Anton du Beke with odds of 2/1.
Meanwhile, former stars Karen Hardy and Brendan Cole are also tipped to return to the series in a new role, with their odds standing at 4/1 and 8/1 respectively.
Other names on the list include former judge Arlene Phillips at 8/1, Oti’s pal Cheryl at 20/1 and guest judge Alfonso Ribero at the bottom with 50/1.
Meanwhile, according to bookmakers Coral, Karen is the most likely to be given the role at odds of 2/1, while other names in the running include Shirley Ballas’ predecessor Len Goodman at 16/1, and It Takes Two star Ian Waite at 6/1.
Coral's Harry Aitkenhead told Mirror online: "We make Karen Hardy the hot favourite to step into Darcey's seat as the new Strictly judge. She was hugely popular when winning the show back in 2006 and can be the perfect fit ahead of the new series kicking off."
Confirming her exit from the series, Darcey said: “It has been a complete privilege for me to be part of Strictly, working with such a talented team.
"I have enjoyed every minute of my time and will miss everyone from my fellow judges, the presenters, the dancers, the musicians, the entire back stage team, and especially the viewers of the show, who have been so supportive.
"I am not leaving because of any upset or disagreement at all, I am just stepping away to give more focus to my many other commitments in dance, after seven truly wonderful years that I can’t imagine having gone any better."
And despite her decision to quit, she said she's already hoping that one day she will be invited back.
"I know I will miss being part of this unique show and the fact that it celebrates dance is something I am so passionate about. I hope that I may be very lucky to be asked back again one day," she said.
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