Brendan Cole announced that he would be leaving Strictly Come Dancing yesterday after the BBC failed to renew his contract.
He gave an emotional interview to Lorraine Kelly about his departure from the show he has been a part of for 15 years.
Now the hunt is on for the chosen dancer to replace boisterous Brendan.
It seems that the all illusive name could have been revealed as bosses are reportedly eyeing up one current star’s partner.
Oti Mabuse, who was partnered with Jonnie Peacock last year, is married to another professional dancer.
Marius lepure, 35, is thought to be adding an extra piece of eye-candy to the BBC show, should he replace Brendan, 41.
An insider told The Sun: “Marius was involved in Strictly last year as a backing dancer and has proved very popular with both the other dancers and production staff alike.”
However, Betway told Express.co.uk yesterday that an old face is currently heavily tipped to return.
Vincent Simone, 38, has odds of 5/2 for a sensational comeback.
He is closely followed by James Jordan at 7/2 while newcomers Louie Spence, Jamie Bell and Joe McFadden have good odds to take on the professional role.
Betway’s Alan Alger explained: “Brendan Cole was one of the viewers’ favourites and his departure has come as a bit of a shock.
“The BBC will no doubt have their own wish list of possible replacements and we think Vincent Simone must sit right near the top at 5/2. Simone ended his Strictly tenure on good terms back in 2013 and the odds suggest he may be ready to return.”
Meanwhile, the publication reports that Brendan could make the move to a rival ITV show, Dancing On Ice.
A source told them: “There was a discussion at ITV and bosses think he would be an amazing signing if he could be part of the show in some form, most likely on the judging panel.
“No one has approached him yet but he’s top of the wishlist and it’s clear he is destined for great things.”
Strictly Come Dancing is expected to return to BBC One later this year.
