As Dancing With The Stars gears up for another season of laffs and... I can't think of a dance move that rhymes with "laffs", having assigned a host and announced its "stars", it looked as though everything was set to move along nicely - only now Confidential has gone and dropped a fly in the Dance Tan by suggesting that beleaguered judge Todd McKenney may not have a seat on the panel this time around:

With controversial judge Todd McKenney already on serious drugs charges, TV insiders speculated yesterday the trouble-plagued performer could find himself on the bench again.

 

And Confidential can confirm reports at least one of the four long-standing panel judges is still waiting to be told "he" will be back when the popular program returns to air next month.

Besides McKenney, the panel includes Helen Richey, Paul Mercurio and Mark Wilson.

Adding to the intrigue, So You Think You Can Dance star choreographer Jason Gilkison is believed to have been approached about joining the show (as a possible replacement for McKenney, pending his court drama).

However, it is understood the former Australian ballroom champion declined.

British dance identity Bruno Tonioli is expected to be a guest judge for at least the first two episodes of the show.

Confidential cannot confirm anything else, however, rounding out the story with a meek little parting question to the readers, "Would you be cut if Mckenney gets the chop?"

Personally, I would be "cut" (thanks, Confidential); McKenney's honesty is integral to the show's frisson - he's the only judge who treats the contestants like actual dancers and, "Holly's Brisley" aside, can be relied upon for a few camp one-liners a show. Sack Daniel MacPherson instead!

Tags: au | channel seven | dancing with the stars | potentially boned | todd mckenney