WITH rumours rife that up to five professionals may be axed from this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, who knows if we’ll see Katya Virshilas and Pasha Kovalev back on our screens?

You will, however, be able to see them at Felixstowe’s Spa Pavilion on April 5.

Reports of new producers being brought in and some dancers being given their cha cha cha orders hadn’t surfaced when I caught up with the professional dancer, who was on the Strictly Come Dancing tour bus, travelling from Liverpool to Newcastle.

“Oh it’s too early to talk about that,” says Kovalev when I asked if he’ll be returning to the hit BBC1 show.

“I think it should be summer time they’ll finalise everything and we’ll all find out what’s going on and who’s invited back.”

McFly drummer Harry Judd and professional dancer Natalie Lowe are on their phones in the background, pro dancer Artem Chigvintsev is sleeping and Nancy Dell‘Olio is somewhere onboard.

Kovalev’s celebrity partner, Chelsea Healey, is taking advantage of her day off to visit family in Manchester.

“It [the Strictly live tour] is going great; all the arenas sold out every night. It’s just amazing to see and meet people who are excited about dancing, to open it up for them in a different way and for them to see the celebrities and dancers who they love on the show up close and personal,” he says.

Despite a busy schedule, Kovalev and Virshilas somehow found time to rehearse for their first non-Strictly collaboration.

They will take the stage for an evening of exhibition dance routines featuring the rumba, waltz, foxtrot, tango, jive and many more.

“It’s the first time Katya and I are doing a project together and we are so excited about it, because we have very similar ideas; we’re working together very well,” says Kovalev.

“It’s related to Strictly Come Dancing, so people who fell in love with the TV show can come and take a look at us a in a little bit more of a close and intimate environment and have a chat.”

As well as the chance to ask Kovalev and Virshilas questions about what really goes on behind the scenes of the TV series, five lucky audience members will get to join the cast on stage for their very own Strictly contest.

“There’s going to be definitely lots of dancing and a little audience participation part where people can dance in their seats and we will bring some on stage to experience for themselves - if they’re brave enough - what Strictly’s all about and try to recreate that,” he laughs.

“We’re very excited to see everyone who enjoys Strictly and enjoy our little part on the show and we would love to see everybody [at the Spa]. It’s going to be a fun night, a great evening for the whole family.”