Natalie Lowe wants former ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ professionals to replace Bruno Tonioli on the judging panel.
The 39-year-old ballroom dancer took part in the BBC Latin and ballroom dance competition from 2009 to 2016, and would love to be invited back if the 64-year-old judge is stuck in America during filming.
Speaking to FUBAR Radio, she said: "I’d love to see ex-professionals sit in that fourth chair every week. I love ‘Strictly’, I love everything about dance."
Natalie believes the former pros would make the best judges as they have been in the same spot as the contestants and be able to give "constructive criticism".
She said: "I think it is really a good positive thing if you can relate to the celebrity that’s going through each week. We’ve been there, we can support. You can be compassionate, you can be encouraging but give constructive criticism. That’s how I would be as a judge if I was asked to be on it. I would love to.
"Who would turn that job down? I mean it’s got to be the most amazing position to be in."
It follows the news that Bruno – who has been judging the competition since 2004 – may not be able to sit on the panel for this year’s competition as the coronavirus pandemic could restrict him from flying back and forth from the US to judge ‘Dancing with the Stars’.
He has previously been temporarily replaced by Alfonso Ribeiro mid-series, but it looks unlikely that anyone will be drafted onto the panel instead of him this year.
Bruno has already approved former ‘The X Factor’ judge Cheryl Tweedy to take his place.
He said: "If Cheryl does end up doing it there would be nothing wrong with that. She’s a lovely girl. I like her.
"Of course she’s not me, but we’re all different. We all have different things to offer but I’ve heard nothing concrete."