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Strictly dancers ‘fear the axe’ as they now face a five month wait to see if they will have work next year

With Kristina Rihanoff expected to make a return at least one pro will be get the chop

STRICTLY professional dancers face an agonising five month wait before they find out whether they will be taking part in next year’s show.

The show’s bosses have a reputation of making ruthless cuts in order to stay fresh – as learnt from the shock axings of James Jordan and Robin Windsor, and now the latest crop have to endure a worrying wait to see whether they’ll have work for next year.

Strictly
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Strictly dancers will now have to wait until May to learn whether they'll be appearing on the show next yearCredit: Not known refer to copyright holder

“All of the professionals have loved this series and want to continue being a part of the Strictly family,” an insider told The Daily Star.

“They won’t have confirmation about who will be asked back until at least next May. That means five months of worrying.”

Kristina Rihanoff is expected to return after having a baby with Ben Cohen which means at least one dancer will be out of a job, and after Robin wasn’t invited back after enduring an injury two years ago and accused the show of ageism, it is anyone’s guess as to who will be back.

Kristina Rihanoff
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With Kristina Rihanoff being expected to return after having a baby, this means that at least one dancer could be getting the chopCredit: Getty Images

Meanwhile Strictly fans were left in tears on Saturday night after Len Goodman’s final show.

The Head Judge is hanging up his scoring paddles after 12 years on the panel of the BBC dancing programme, with Saturday night’s final being his last live appearance.

While the 72-year-old will be seen on Christmas Day during the Strictly Christmas Special, it didn’t stop his fans from mourning his loss from the show.

Len was clearly emotional as celebrities from throughout his 12 years paid tribute to him
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Len was clearly emotional as celebrities from throughout his 12 years paid tribute to him

Taking to Twitter in their droves, one wrote: “UNBELIEVABLY HEART BROKEN OVER LEN LEAVING #Strictly”, while another added: “Len Goodman leaving Strictly means it’ll never be the same again. Good luck to whoever tries to replace him. He is one of a kind.”

Others didn’t try and hide the fact they had shed a tear over Len’s departure, with one viewer writing: “I genuinely just cried because Len is leaving #Strictly #Whatalegend #wontbethesamewithouthim” and a fellow fan agreed, adding: “Mum is genuinely sobbing at the Len Goodman tribute on #strictly. I’ll admit to shedding a wee tear too.”

The 72-year-old received hugs and kisses from all of his co-judges
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The 72-year-old received hugs and kisses from all of his co-judges

During the show, contestants from across the 12 series paid tribute to Len via video, including Strictly winners Jill Halfpenny, Tom Chambers and Caroline Flack.

Once it was over, Len told hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman: “I will miss everything about the show I promise you.

“I will miss turning up and the anticipation and whats going to occur. I’ll miss the three best judges on any types of these shows.

“This whole thing is like a big machine with cogs every cog has to work to make it happen.

“I’m going to miss it all.”

The star received a standing ovation from the audience and his fellow judges as well as a touching ballroom routine from the shows professional dancers.

At the end of the routine, the dancers bowed at Len in respect, setting viewers off again.

His fellow judges also paid tribute to him, with an emotional Craig Revel Horwood saying on the VT: "It’s been so amazing, and I’ve not only made a colleague but a fabulous friend, you are extraordinary, I love you."

Bruno Tonioli added: "Thank you for the laughs, thank you for the memories," while Darcey Bussell said: "I'm going to miss our giggles, but fingers crossed I get to dance with you on the dance floor again."

Ahead of his final show, which saw Ore Oduba be crowned the champion alongside his partner Joanne Clifton, Len told The Sun's TV Magazine: “Leaving Strictly is a battle between your brain and your heart. My brain has told me: ‘Lenny boy, it’s been 12 years, it’s time to stop’ and my heart is saying: ‘Oh, you’ve had such a wonderful time, are you sure you want to give it all up?’” he admits.

“I’m sure I will miss it but I won’t miss having my life back. My father was only seven years older than I am now when he died, so I need more ‘me’ time.”

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