James and Ola Jordan facing Strictly axe rumours

Speculation is mounting that Strictly Come Dancing producers are planning a shake-up of the professional dancers for next year's show - with James and Ola Jordan among those possibly facing the axe.

According to the Star, the pair - who learned this week they had been dropped from the show's forthcoming live tour - could well be dropped amid rumours of backstage rows.

And producers have reportedly warned the other dancers that nobody is guaranteed a place in next year's series.

"The producers are keen to keep things quite fresh, so quite a few faces could be dropped," an insider told the paper.

"It's going to be brutal for some but that's the way it works when you're on television's top show."

The source added, "The only ones who have been discussed are Ola and James at the moment. They might be liked by viewers but that may not be enough to save them."

James, 33, has hit back at Craig Revel Horwood over the series over critical remarks he made to his celebrity partner Alex Jones.

And the pair found themselves engaged in a war of words last week after James broke the news on Twitter about being dropped from the tour.

"Just received an E-MAIL to say we are not needed!" he tweeted, to which Craig replied, "James is being incredibly selfish and rude moaning on Twitter about not doing the tour. Why should Ola and James always get to do it? My advice to them would be to quit moaning."

One thing which will reportedly not change next series, however, is the judging panel - with all four set to return in 2012.

"The judging line-up is considered one of the best on the box," a source told the Star. "Strictly has learned from The X Factor that changing the panel can see the ratings drop."