It’s been just a matter of days since Strictly stalwart Darcey Bussell quit the BBC One dance show – but it looks like she’s already lined up an exciting new gig.
The 49-year-old former ballerina is reportedly in talks with Andrew Lloyd Webber to star in one of his many hit West End shows.
According to a report in the Daily Mirror, the pair secretly met at Andrew’s Watership Down Stud in Newbury this week, where plans were discussed.
A source told the tabloid: “Andrew has had his eye on Darcey for a while and is hoping to use her in one of his new stage shows.
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“Andrew and Darcey have been friends for years and recently he has been asking her to look at perhaps working with him on one of his new productions. Darcey is over the moon.”
The source apparently continued by suggesting Darcey left Strictly because she pined for performing on stage herself.
“She absolutely loved judging the acts but she has been a prima ballerina all her life. Strictly was great fun, but not a serious part of her career,” the unnamed insider is said to have said.
Indeed when Darcey announced she was leaving the show after seven years she said she was doing so “to give more focus to my many other commitments in dance.”
Could a return to stage with the help of musical legend Andrew be just what she’s after?
Andrew Lloyd Webber is of course on of the most successful and legendary musical composers of all time.
He has composed a whopping 13 musicals, which include the likes of Cats, Evita, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat and School of Rock.
Read more: Strictly’s Shirley Ballas confirms new TV role
As for Darcey, she became a principal ballet dancer for the esteemed Royal Ballet aged just 20 back in 1989.
She continued to perform for the Royal Ballet for more than two decades, and became renowned as one of Britain’s greatest ballet dancers ever.
It was not until she joined Strictly Come Dancing as a judge in 2012 however, that she became a household telly name.
Replacing Alesha Dixon, she quickly became a popular judge, and shocked her fans when she announced her departure last week.
In a formal statement Darcey said of her departure: “It has been a complete privilege for me to be part of Strictly, working with such a talented team.
News: After seven incredible series, Dame Darcey Bussell has decided to step down as judge from Strictly 👉https://t.co/W4hEQe4jc1 pic.twitter.com/ZoAajhKd8m
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) April 10, 2019
“I have enjoyed every minute of my time and will miss everyone, from my fellow judges, the presenters, the dancers, the musicians, the entire back stage team and especially the viewers of the show.
“I am not leaving because of any upsets at all, I am just stepping away to give more focus to my many other commitments in dance.
“I know I will miss being part of this unique show. I hope that I may be very lucky to be asked back again one day.”
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