Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly keen on securing Italian pro Pasquale La Rocca as a replacement for Aljaz Skorjanec, who recently announced his departure from the hit BBC series.
The hunky choreographer, 32, is currently a cast member on Dancing With The Stars in Ireland which he has won twice, as well as Belgium’s version once.
A source told The Mirror: ‘Strictly bosses have drawn up a wishlist and would love Pasquale as long as they could prise him away from the Irish show. He is super-talented and an exciting prospect.’
‘He is super-talented and an exciting prospect’: Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly keen on securing Italian pro Pasquale La Rocca as a replacement for Aljaz Skorjanec
The move would see him mirror the career of Kai Widdrington, who also jetted over to England from his previous position on the Irish programme.
Pasquale even teased that he could transfer over to the British favourite two weeks ago, saying: ‘When you are part of the DWTS market around the world, of course you are seen and spotted by other countries. You have to leave and go to another place.
‘I don’t know what is going to happen. But I’m a big fan of the Dancing With The Stars franchise. I haven’t stopped moving since I started in 2019, and I will keep going.’
If the rumours are true, he will be joined by Dianne Buswell, Graziano Di Prima, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Neil Jones, Cameron Lombard, Gorka Marquez, Giovanni Pernice, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington and Nancy Xu.
Emotional: In a statement released last month, Aljaž said: ‘On a beautiful sunny day in May 2013 one phone call changed my life forever!’ (pictured in January 2022)
Oti Mabuse, who quit Strictly after joining the judging panel of ITV’s rival Dancing On Ice, has also left an empty slot.
MailOnline has contacted the BBC press office for comment.
In February, Oti, 31, took to Instagram where she confirmed that she wouldn’t be returning to the BBC One dance show after seven years.
It is said she wanted to pursue other TV opportunities having established herself as a talent show judge with roles on ITV’s The Masked Dancer and the current series of Dancing On Ice.
Coming soon: A source said: ‘Strictly bosses have drawn up a wishlist and would love Pasquale as long as they could prise him away from the Irish show. He is super-talented and an exciting prospect’ (pictured with Nina Carberry in 2022)
She left Strictly after winning the Glitterball trophy in two consecutive years with Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher, 37, and comedian Bill Bailey, 56.
Oti shared a selection of photographs highlighting her time on Strictly, with snaps of herself alongside her celebrity partners, and a group shot from the latest series.
She captioned the post: ‘Never easy to say goodbye ♥️ I have been part of the most amazing TV show, Strictly Come Dancing for the past seven years and it has been an incredible time.
‘Lifting the glitter ball twice and having the best journey with all my celebrities, but also meeting and working with the best team, crew, producers, celebs and incredible professional dancers!
‘You are my family and I adore you all forever. Thank you @sarahjamesface @jack.will.g and @jasongilkison for truly believing in me.
Glitterball: The hunky choreographer, 32, is currently a cast member on Dancing With The Stars in Ireland which he has won twice (pictured with Nina in March 2022)
‘I’m honestly so grateful to The BBC and will always remember that Strictly and BBC brought me to the UK – which I now call home and I have learnt and grown so much. Thank You from the bottom of my heart.
‘I can’t put into words how difficult this decision has been, but I have decided not to return for the next series.
‘Dance will always be my first love and to everyone, my family especially, friends, strictly fans and judges who have been my support throughout my strictly journey, thank you for being incredible!
‘You are irreplaceable in my heart and have made everyday unforgettable! I love you. I will always Keeeep Dancing! and I will never forget my amazing Strictly experience! Lots of Love Oti xxx.’
Meanwhile Aljaž followed in the footsteps of his wife Janette, who announced her own departure from the pro lineup last year as she moved into the presenter role for spin off show It Takes Two.
Gone: Oti Mabuse, who quit Strictly after joining the judging panel of ITV’s rival Dancing On Ice, has also left an empty slot (pictured in 2021)
In a statement released last month, Aljaž said: ‘On a beautiful sunny day in May 2013 one phone call changed my life forever!’
It went like this… we would like to offer you a position on @bbcstrictly as a professional dancer. A dream became a reality and it was the biggest opportunity for a 23 year old boy from Slovenia’
‘It didn’t matter how many beautiful ballrooms I performed in during my competitive career, stepping onto the sacred Strictly floor was the most nervous I had ever been.
‘A little while ago I made the tough decision that Strictly 2021 would be my last. The show has given me an opportunity and freedom to create and express myself in front of millions of people every weekend for the last 9 years.
‘The love and support I got from the team of producers was second to none. Jason Gilkison, Sarah James, Kim Winston, Jack Gledhill are just a few of the unsung heroes behind the success of the show – I am forever grateful to them!
Quit! She left Strictly after winning the Glitterball trophy in two consecutive years with Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher, 37, and comedian Bill Bailey, 56 (pictured in 2020 with Bill)
‘Being a part of a group of professionals that inspire and push you to be better every step of the way is humbling and I will carry that inspiration with me forever. Every year the lineup of dancers would change but one thing stayed the same, WE WERE THE BEST! And this is one thing that I know will never change on Strictly!
‘Strictly also has the BEST backstage team – the hair and make-up team, costume department, lighting, sound, props and special effects, camera operators… THANK YOU!’
Alijaz, who won the Glitterball trophy in his first year on the BBC competition, went on to pay tribute to the nine celebrity partners he has danced with on the show, writing: ‘My beautiful partners – Abbey Clancy, Alison Hammond, Helen George, Daisy Lowe, Kate Silverton, Gemma Atkinson, Emma Weymouth, Clara Amfo and Sara Davies.
It’s hard to put into words how many beautiful memories we have had. I LOVE YOU ALL!’
He also had sweet words for his wife Janette, gushing: ‘To my bucka.. from picking songs, creating stories and choreographing steps we always did it as a team. Your talent and selflessness knows no bounds.’
‘We were dating when we started together on the show and now we are husband and wife. We got to perform with Andrea Bocelli, Michael Buble, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, BBC Symphony Orchestra.. moments I will keep in my heart forever. I LOVE YOU!’
‘And finally, thank YOU, the people that watch Strictly who have been so kind to me all these years. Every comment, vote, kind message never went unnoticed. You are the reason we all do it, thank you!’
‘I have lots of exciting stuff planned that I will fill you in on soon. I can’t wait to see what the future holds! KEEEEEP DANCING!’
Leaving: Meanwhile Aljaž followed in the footsteps of his wife Janette Manrara, who announced her own departure from the pro lineup last year as she moved into the presenter role for spin off show It Takes Two (pictured with Sara Davies on tour in January)
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