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Strictly Come Dancing star Johnny Ball has been rehearsing with a new male partner after TV bosses had to think again when his regular dancer Aliona Vilani got crocked.
Veteran children's presenter Johnny has been dancing with Ian Waite after Aliona suffered a hairline fracture in her right ankle following a mishap in rehearsals. She will be off the dancefloor for two to four weeks as she heals and will miss the first live show next week.
Now Ian, a former show regular, has been drafted in as temporary replacement to put Johnny through his paces.
Johnny, 74, said: "I am so worried about Aliona and her ankle; after all, her feet are the tools of her trade. I do hope it heals quickly and that she is back on the dancefloor soon. Our routine was going so well and we were all set to put the finishing technical touches to it."
Johnny - whose kids shows included Think Of A Number and Think Again - said he and his interim replacement work well together.
"Ian Waite and I had a great cha-cha session," he said.
Programme bosses are still working to find a female partner for the opening show on October 5.
"I do hope I can do the routine justice and make Aliona happy when she sees the programme. The routine Aliona has devised is great, so whichever new dancer I get, that won't need changing in the slightest," Johnny said.
"I do hope I make the judges sit up and take notice, for all the right reasons."
Professional dancer Aliona won last year's competition with celebrity partner Harry Judd from McFly.
