Strictly Come Dancing professionals are 'worried they may be axed from the series in mass cull' following Pasha Kovalev's shock departure
A number of Strictly Come Dancing's professional dancers are said to be worried they will be axed from the series following Pasha Kovalev announcing his departure.
According to The Sun, the show's professionals are worried that new executive producer Sarah James, who has taken over from Louise Rainbow, will give some of the star's the chop.
It is reported that the show's dancers will learn of their fate by a phone call on Tuesday, February 26.
Future: A number of Strictly Come Dancing's professional dancers are said to be worried they will be axed from the series (pictured in January 2019)
A source told the publication: 'Pasha’s surprise departure means a lot of the professionals are really worried.
'The dancers are wondering if the new show boss is going to start a mass cull and replace a lot of the current pros. They are messaging each other frantically as they try to work out what the plans are.'Nobody saw Pasha leaving and the rumour mill has gone into overdrive, with everyone saying a few other names are going to be chopped — or at least announce it was their choice to leave the programme.'
MailOnline has contacted a BBC representative for comment.
Axed: According to The Sun, the show's professionals are worried that new executive producer Sarah James, who took over from Louise Rainbow, will give some of the star's the chop The news means that stars such as Katya Jones, who hit headlines during last year's series when she kissed her celebrity partner Seann Walsh, and Anton Du Beke, who has been with the show since series one, may be worried for their future with the series.
Pasha announced this week that he would be leaving the show after eight years.
He wrote on Twitter: 'Thanks to the incredible partners, professionals and myriad of behind the scenes teams who all work to make Strictly the amazing production it is.'
Professionals: The dancers will reportedly learn of their fate by a phone call on February 26 (pictured in January 2019)
However, Pasha's departure has been said to be voluntary after it was reported his wife Rachel Riley was worried he would fall victim to the infamous Strictly curse.
It was also claimed that Countdown star Rachel, 33, felt Pasha, 39, was underpaid for his role on Strictly.
Fellow dancer AJ Pritchard has already spoken out on Pasha's departure during an interview on ITV News.
Shock: Fellow dancer AJ Pritchard has already spoken out on Pasha's departure during an interview on ITV News He said: 'I was so shocked. It's so sad. I'm going to miss him.
Asked whether he'll be back himself on the 2019 season, AJ admitted that things are unsure.
He said: 'I don't know yet, we'll wait and see, hopefully. I'd love to, it's the best job in the world.'
Up in the air: Asked whether he'll be back himself on the 2019 season, AJ admitted that things are unsure (pictured in August 2018)
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