Natalie Lowe has called for a revolving panel of ex-professionals to replace Bruno Tonioli on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
The 64-year-old judge may not be able to sit on the panel for this year’s competition as the coronavirus pandemic restricts him from flying back and forth from the US to judge ‘Dancing with the Stars’, and while the 39-year-old dancer – who quit the show in 2017 – would love to take his place, she doesn’t want a long term role and would rather share it with a host of faces who are already familiar to viewers.
She said: "I’d like to see an alternating chair between ex-professionals – people like Ian Waite, Kevin Clifton, Flavia Cacace, Vincent Simone, Camilla Dallerup, Karen Hardy…
"I’d love to be a judge! I haven’t danced for 36 years of my life to not utilise that expertise in some way."
The pandemic will result in some changes being made to this year’s show, including it airing for a shorter time, and Natalie is intrigued to see what producers have planned.
She told new! magazine: "Even if there’s no Blackpool I’m sure they’ll be really creative.
"They were talking about all the professionals being in lockdown together for a couple of weeks so they can do the group numbers. I’ve love to be a fly on the wall."
Bruno’s fellow judge, Craig Revel Horwood, recently predicted producers will bring in a number of guest judges for "fun" but expects his pal to return for the 2021 series.
Craig – who has appeared on the show alongside Bruno since 2004 – said: "They might throw guest judges in for fun. Then when everything’s back to normal, Bruno can make his triumphant return!"
In recent weeks, various big-name stars have been mentioned as a possible replacement for Bruno, including Cheryl.
But Craig doubts whether the 37-year-old pop star will appear on the upcoming series.
He said: "Lovely girl, but I don’t think it will happen."