News

Strictly Come Dancing bosses confirm Len Goodman’s replacement

The new head judge has been confirmed

Strictly bosses have confirmed who will take Len Goodman’s head judge place on the BBC series.

And it’s not who you would expect!

British ballroom dancer Shirley Ballas will be taking her place as head judge on the panel.

Read more: Same sex couples for Strictly Come Dancing?

The star announced the exciting news on her Instagram as she wrote: “I am so excited to announce that I will be joining the judging panel on @BBCStrictly.

“#Strictly is so loved by the British public, I have always been a massive fan. I can’t wait!”

It was revealed last week that Shirley was the only candidate to receive a second screen test and bosses gave her the role for her ability and experience as a dance teacher.

Strictly’s Bruno Tonioli, who has previously worked with the star, said: “I know Shirley well – she is an incredible Latin dancer and trainer and I am sure she will be a great addition to the Strictly team.”

Dancers Anton du Beke and Bredan Cole reportedly tried out for the judging position but Shirley came out on top after she was a “natural” on the screen tests.

The show is set to return later in September and will continue to run until Christmas.

Shirley will take on her judging role alongside Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood and Darcey Bussell.

Fellow judge Darcey Bussell has spoken about her new judging partner, saying: “I look forward to meeting Shirley and welcoming her to our Strictly team.

“Her years of experience in Ballroom and Latin dancing are impressive and I’m sure she will be a great addition to our judging panel.”

Read more: Amy Childs still “in total shock” after the birth of her daughter

There has still not been an official confirmation for who will host the show but it’s been reported Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will front the dancing show.

The show’s celeb line-up is still yet to be confirmed but stars such as Samantha Womack, Jessica Ennis-hill and Olly Murs are all rumoured to be taking part.

Meanwhile former dancer Ed Balls has teased that Strictly could be opening their doors to same sex couples.

Talking on ITV’s Good Morning Britain Ed spoke to hosts Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid about the possibility of having same sex couples on the show.

He said: “I think that will happen, I’m not sure whether that will happen this year, but that’s up to the producers.

“It will end up with us moving in that direction in ballroom dancing.”

We just cannot wait for the show to return.


Rebecca Carter
Associate Editor (News)

Related Topics