Strictly Come Dancing Stars Anton Du Beke and Brendan Cole in bitter battle to replace Len Goodman
The hit BBC show’s 72-year-old judge announced yesterday he was quitting setting up a grudge match between the two pros.
STRICTLY Come Dancing professionals Anton Du Beke and Brendan Cole are in a bitter behind-the-scenes battle to replace departing Len Goodman.
The hit BBC show’s 72-year-old head judge announced yesterday he was quitting after this year’s series, setting up a grudge match between the two pros.
The Sun can reveal Anton, 49, believes he has the backing of Len himself and Sir Bruce Forsyth for the high profile gig.
But Brendan, 40, thinks he has the right experience after being a judge on the New Zealand version of the show. A Strictly source revealed: “Anton and Brendan have been with Strictly from the start and have been waiting for this opportunity.
“Anton initially wanted to take over from Brucie when he quit as presenter. He doesn’t want to miss out on a big opportunity to join the judges.
“But Brendan is confident because he was a hit as a judge on the New Zealand version and thinks that was perfect grounding.”
Beeb insiders believe they are the most likely options to join Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood and Darcey Bussell. The source added: “They’re very knowledgeable and are popular with loyal fans.
“Of course the bosses will look at all the options and would consider bringing in another woman.
“Everyone knows Anton and Brendan want it desperately. This year’s series will be seen as an audition and they’ll be out to impress.”
Ladbrokes yesterday made Anton 2/1 favourite for the role, with Brendan at 20/1.
Other former pros Karen Hardy, Ian Waite and Erin Boag are also thought to be in the running, alongside former judge Arlene Phillips, former winner Tom Chambers and It Takes Two presenter Zoe Ball.
After yesterday’s announcement Len said: “This adventure began when I was 60 and now I’ve reached my 70s, I’ve decided after this year it’s time to hand the role of head judge to someone else.
“It is an honour being part of the wonderful Strictly Come Dancing family and I’m looking forward to my last series and to whatever comes next.”
BBC director of content Charlotte Moore said: “We are all going to miss him tremendously.”
The 14th series of the show begins in September, with Laura Whitmore, Louise Redknapp, Daisy Lowe and The Sun’s legal columnist Judge Rinder.
He’ll tango to LA for £750k
LEN Goodman is set to move to LA after a £750,000-a-series offer to return to Dancing with the Stars.
He quit the US version of Strictly in August to spend more time with his grandson. But the show struggled and producers want him back.
In 2014 he did both shows and was on a plane 44 hours a week.
A pal said: “He’s told people he prefers the warmer climate and hates traveling to and fro.”
Accounts filed by Len’s Pleasurable Pursuits show he has banked £3.3million, up £900,000 in a year.