BBC bosses keen to snap up Australian Dancing with the Stars judge Helen Richey to fill Len Goodman’s shoes
After speculation dancers Anton Du Beke and Brendan Cole were hot favourites to fill the role the BBC wants to meet its age diversity targets
THE search to replace Strictly judge LEN GOODMAN has moved Down Under.
I can reveal that bosses have widened their net and are keen to hold talks with Australian Dancing With The Stars judge HELEN RICHEY.
Producers were looking at dancers ANTON DU BEKE, and BRENDAN COLE to take over from Len, when he leaves after the new series.
But execs are under pressure to interview a woman close to Len’s age to hit their diversity targets.
A source said: “Helen is known across the dancing world and highly respected.
“She’s been a judge in Australia for 12 years so is used to the cameras and has a similar calm temperament to Len.
“I know that BBC chiefs were impressed by her when she fronted out and dismissed cheat claims when they erupted on that show.”
Helen spent 27 years living in the UK competing in both Latin and ballroom dancing.
When the 71-year-old retired from the dancefloor, she became one of the world’s leading coaches and has judged national pro championships across the world.
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Her inclusion as a senior female on the judge’s shortlist would also fit the BBC’s diversity and inclusion strategy.
Last week I exclusively revealed that Brendan had been ruled out of the running because show bosses feel he is “too cocky”.
The Kiwi is less popular with older viewers and bosses were concerned he would clash with contestants and fellow judges DARCEY BUSSELL, BRUNO TONIOLI and CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD.
Len, head judge since Strictly began in 2004, is about to start his final season and is backing Anton to succeed him.
Whoever gets the job has big shoes to fill.
ORE JOINS LINE-UP
OLYMPICS sports reporter ORE ODUBA might be getting some samba practice in before joining Strictly.
The BBC Breakfast presenter is out in Rio and was officially unveiled last night as the fourth contestant, joining WILL YOUNG, LAURA WHITMORE and ED BALLS. LOUISE REDKNAPP and LESLEY JOSEPH are both also set to take part.
Ore said: “I’ve been such a huge fan of the show for over a decade. So to actually take to the Strictly stage myself, I don’t think I’ve been more nervously excited – aside from on my wedding day. Let’s hope for fewer tears.”
I’m sure Craig will take it easy on him.
A Fresh Hyacinth Bouquet
THE BBC has remade a host of one-off specials of our favourite sitcoms, but one may get its own series.
Keeping Up Appearances has a spin-off prequel called Young Hyacinth with the future Mrs Bucket working as a maid in the 1950s.
KERRY HOWARD, fills the title role.
The original show that starred PATRICIA ROUTLEDGE in the early Nineties is the Beeb’s most popular export, sold to 992 other TV channels.
Bosses are hoping to sell the new show around the world, too, to cash in on the love for poking fun at Brits’ obsession with class.
An insider revealed: “Young Hyacinth has had a lot of money pumped into the one-off episode.”
At the show’s premier, writer Roy Clarke was asked if it was just a one-off and said: “Ah. Big question mark. Not in my mind.”
The BBC say no decision has been made about making a full series. Its sitcom season kicks off next month with new versions of Are You Being Served?, Porridge, Till Death Us Do Part and Goodnight Sweetheart.
SOAPBOX
AIDAN CONNOR spent months trying to woo Eva, but now it turns out the Price isn’t right after all.
During tonight’s episode of CORONATION STREET the factory boss is scared off when Eva suggests the couple move in together – and seeks solace by having a drunken fling with Maria.
But as Aidan and Maria scrabble for their clothes after the raunchy session on the sofa, they are terrified of being rumbled when Eva returns. I doubt Aidan and Maria’s dalliance is over.
Over on EASTENDERS, Kush Kazemi is encouraged to go to The Albert’s “lock and key” dating night.
However, things quickly turn awkward when he’s matched with none other than his mum Carmel.