Sources are buzzing that one of the Dancing With The Stars judges could be hotfooting it off screens at the end of this series!
According to TV sleuths, Helen Richey, 79, Sharna Burgess, 39, and Mark Wilson, 61, want former judge Todd McKenney, 59, back on the panel. And it’s no wonder, with Helen and fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood, 59, bickering on screen!
Just a few weeks ago, tensions came to a head with Helen and Craig openly butting heads over contestant Nikki Osborne’s routine with partner Aric Yegudkin.
NOT HOLDING BACK
Helen went on a lengthy rant about 43-year-old Nikki, which left Craig “losing the will to live” – a comment that didn’t sit well with former ballroom dancer Helen, and the pair became embroiled in a war of words.
Fiery Helen accused Craig of being “just as bad!” as her when it came to long-winded critiques, causing Craig to retort, “You had your go, darling, you need to zip it. Zip zip!”
but Helen didn’t back down for a moment, adding, “Don’t argue with me, Craig. You’re not going to win.” “I know, the queen will win, darling,” Craig said.
ALL HAIL THE QUEEN
But Helen didn’t back down for a moment, adding, “Don’t argue with me, Craig. You’re not going to win.”
“I know, the queen will win, darling,” Craig said.
And it seems Craig is right. Our DWTS insider says, “The chatter behind the scenes is that Todd will be back and Craig will be given the boot in 2025.”
Helen isn’t the only one who agrees Todd is a better fit. “He has better banter with Sonia and fans have drowned in too many of Craig’s ‘darlings.’”
Meanwhile, fans have been quick to point out that they don’t need another Simon Cowell type figure, “We already have the Australian version of the ‘nasty up-front judge’.”
PERFECT TIMING
Our source reveals Todd’s decision to step away to star in the theatre production of The Odd Couple this season came at a great time and allowed co-hosts Sonia Kruger, 58, and Dr Chris Brown, 45, the chance to build up some chemistry.
“Sonia and Todd have known each other for years – they almost talk like dolphins,” confirms a former producer. “That can be intimidating for newcomers.
“It makes sense when you think about this shuffle of judges – Seven were prioritising Dr Chris to make this change work for audiences,” the insider adds.
“Of course Craig is a true professional and he could do the judging on his head in any country around the world, but this will likely be his last season in Australia. If Helen puts her foot down on this, consider the job is done.”
