All eyes are on who will replace Darcey Bussell on Strictly Come Dancing when it returns later this year. The judge said she wouldn’t be on the panel following on from an epic seven years on the dancing show. Naturally, everyone has an opinion about who should be retuning but no one probably knows more than a former runner-up. Danny Mac came second in 2016, losing out to Ore Oduba, and appeared on Sunday Brunch today to discuss who he thinks would be good. Related articles Strictly Come Dancing: Shirley Ballas on MAJOR change for new series Strictly Come Dancing 2019: BBC Breakfast presenter drops line-up hint The former Hollyoaks actor was very keen to see his old partner, Oti Mabuse sitting on the panel. She has been on the show for three years and is set to star as a professional dancer when Strictly is back on the BBC later this year. However, Danny thinks this is the right time for her to sit on the panel. Speaking to Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer, the star said: “I think Oti should be the judge. She’s amazing. I adore her. “She’s got that personality and the drive and the passion for it.” What’s more, Danny thinks it would be a helpful way to bridge the divide between the judges and the contestants as she would know how the celebrities are feeling. “I think they would still quite happily take criticism from her,” he explained. Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Oti Mabuse revealed as Darcey Bussell replacement? (Image: BBC) Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Oti Mabuse is in the running to be Darcey's replacement (Image: BBC) The BBC haven’t yet decided on who will be taking over from Darcey but the rumour mill has been thrown into overdrive. Shirley Ballas recently spoke to Express.co.uk and said the 2019 series will certainly see a “shake-up”. The head judge said on the BAFTA TV Awards she was happy with anyone, as long as they’re capable for the job. She said: “I don’t know, but I’m sure whoever they pick will fit into the panel seamlessly.” Furthermore, it seems Anton Du Beke could be in the running as well. Related articles AJ Pritchard: Lauren Steadman 'excited' as she reunites with ‘Champ' Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Former pro reveals 'out of the blue' news Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Darcey Bussell has quit the line-up (Image: GETTY) The professional dancer may be confirmed to be dancing in 2019, but he has the backing of Simon Webb. The Blue singer told Express.co.uk: “Anton should be on that panel. Anton is the man. He’s funny, he’s witty, he can help you lighten the load a little bit. “He deserves to be on the show more than anybody because of how long he’s been on it and his experience. And he’s an incredible ballroom dancer. “That’s your new Len, as far as I’m concerned.” Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One later this year.All rights reserved for this news site express.co.uk and under his responsibility