diff --git a/ovos_workshop/skills/fallback.py b/ovos_workshop/skills/fallback.py
index f4d67e08..963f65ae 100644
--- a/ovos_workshop/skills/fallback.py
+++ b/ovos_workshop/skills/fallback.py
@@ -61,25 +61,22 @@ class FallbackSkill(_MetaFB, metaclass=_MutableFallback):
     A Fallback can either observe or consume an utterance. A consumed
     utterance will not be seen by any other Fallback handlers.
     """
+    def __new__classic__(cls, *args, **kwargs):
+        if cls is FallbackSkill:
+            # direct instantiation of class, dynamic wizardry for unittests
+            # return V2 as expected, V1 will eventually be dropped
+            return FallbackSkillV2(*args, **kwargs)
+        cls.__bases__ = (FallbackSkillV1, FallbackSkill, _MetaFB)
+        return super().__new__(cls, *args, **kwargs)
 
-    @staticmethod
-    def __get_bases_classic():
-        LOG.debug("Using V1 Fallback")
-        return (FallbackSkillV1, FallbackSkill, _MetaFB)
-
-    @backwards_compat(classic_core=__get_bases_classic,
-                      pre_008=__get_bases_classic)
-    @staticmethod
-    def __get_bases():
-        LOG.debug("Using V2 Fallback")
-        return (FallbackSkillV2, FallbackSkill, _MetaFB)
-
+    @backwards_compat(classic_core=__new__classic__,
+                      pre_008=__new__classic__)
     def __new__(cls, *args, **kwargs):
         if cls is FallbackSkill:
-            # direct instantiation of class, dynamic wizardry or unittests
+            # direct instantiation of class, dynamic wizardry for unittests
             # return V2 as expected, V1 will eventually be dropped
             return FallbackSkillV2(*args, **kwargs)
-        cls.__bases__ = cls.__get_bases()
+        cls.__bases__ = (FallbackSkillV2, FallbackSkill, _MetaFB)
         return super().__new__(cls, *args, **kwargs)
 
     @classmethod