Anton Du Beke will reportedly keep his place on the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel for the upcoming Christmas special.
The dancer has stepped up to the panel full-time this series to fill in for Bruno Tonioli, who is in the US filming Dancing With The Stars and unable to travel to and from the UK due to coronavirus.
According to The Sun, Du Beke will also judge the festive special - due to be filmed in the next few weeks - amid speculation that he could go on to replace Tonioli on a permanent basis.
"The reaction to the former pro being on the panel has been totally positive - with most viewers apparently forgetting a time when he wasn't a full-time judge," a show source told the newspaper.
"There is still a huge amount of love and affection for Bruno, and fans would love to see him return.
"But they will be wondering why it won't be on the Christmas show, as that was the expectation.
"This can only fuel further speculation that Bruno may not be returning next year and that Anton has seamlessly taken his place."
Strictly continues Saturday at 7.10pm on BBC One.
> This week's Halloween-themed Strictly dances and songs revealed
Neil Wilkes
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