Ian Waite, the former Strictly Come Dancing professional, has hinted at a potential return to the BBC show and set the record straight on his departure, insisting he was not axed but repositioned.
Waite, who joined Strictly in 2004 and reached the final twice with Denise Lewis and Zoe Ball, left the main show in 2009. He later appeared on spin-off It Takes Two until 2021. Speaking to Reach on behalf of Zingo Bingo, Waite said: 'I wasn't sacked from Strictly, I was repositioned into my role on It Takes Two, and I think to myself I had so many more years left in me.'
With Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman set to leave the main show, Waite tipped Anton Du Beke as a potential host. 'My prediction is Anton would be great. He's basically Bruce Forsyth's love child isn't he? Everybody loves him,' Waite said. He also suggested Australian presenter Sonia Kruger as a candidate, though acknowledged she may have exclusive rights with Channel 7.
Waite, who has been touring and performing, left the door open for a return. 'Never say never. I think the public love all the old pros from Strictly so if they asked me to come on and take Anton's place, for instance, I'd say yeah, it's a brilliant idea. I'd love it,' he added.
