Jessica Ennis Hill eyed for Strictly Come Dancing

OHMYGOSSIP — Jessica Ennis Hill is wanted for the next series of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. The Olympic heptathlete – who recently announced her retirement from athletics – is a huge fan of the show and has been invited to go and watch live in order to learn more as she’s top of producers’ wish-list for the 2017 season.

A source told The Sun newspaper: “Jess has been invited to Elstree to see the dancers and chat to some of the current celebs. She’s made no secret of being a fan of the show, so they were on to her quickly when she hung up her trainers last month. It’s a tried and tested method to invite people down to see what it’s like and get them to sign up.”

Show chiefs hope Jessica, 30, can follow in the footsteps of 2012 winner Louis Smith or this year’s contestants Greg Rutherford and Claudia Fragapane, who have been a hit with viewers.

The source added: “They really want to land Jess because she’s got a high profile and the show’s had a lot of success with Olympic athletes.”

Meanwhile, it was recently claimed next year’s judging panel might increase to five, with two new faces joining Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and Darcey Bussell in place of departing head judge Len Goodman. A source said: “Replacing Len is proving a real headache because he has such experience and is so well respected.

“Dancers like Anton [du Beke] and Karen [Hardy] might be good in the role – but they are inexperienced and might not battle to keep Bruno and Craig in check like Len does.

“However there is a feeling without Len’s calming measured influence the panel might need a fifth judge to stop there being a deadlock and casting vote. It is an idea that has been discussed privately.

“The plan would be for Anton – or the other judge – to join the panel and the other judge to join for the results show to stop there being a need for a casting vote currently used by Len.”

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