AJ’s 6ft 2in bro is growing to be new Brendan

REPLACING Strictly’s Mr Big Brendan Cole has been a tall order – but BBC bosses believe they have finally found their man.

Curtis Pritchard – 6ft 2in younger brother of show pro AJ – is highly tipped to take over from 6ft 1in veteran Brendan.

Bosses need someone to partner loftier celebrities. And Curtis, 20 is seven inches taller than his big brother, 23, who partnered singer Mollie King last year.

A source said: “With a distinct lack of tall male dancers to fill Brendan’s shoes, Strictly had a tough job on their hands. But they’ve now found the perfect fit in Curtis. He may be AJ’s younger brother but he’s certainly not smaller than his 5ft 7in stature, which means he could be partnered with taller women celebrities.” Curtis could even be joined on the show by his dance partner and girlfriend Emily Barker.

Emily, 19, may replace Chloe Hewitt. Curtis and

Emily – who met when they were 11 and have dated for two years – impressed in Dancing With The Stars Ireland last year.

Strictly original Brendan, 41, was dropped this year after 14 years on the show.

He hinted it could be due to his “strong views” after he was passed over as head judge for Shirley Ballas.

Strictly said: “The pro dancer line up will be confirmed in due course.”