Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood being lined up to replace Len Goodman as head judge
Current head judge has announced he is quitting the show after the 2016 series
CRAIG Revel Horwood is reportedly in line to take over from Len Goodman as Strictly Come Dancing's head judge.
The show's resident Mr Nasty is now the front runner to replace the 72-year-old after he made the shock announcement earlier this year that the forthcoming series of the BBC One dancing show would be his last.
A show insider told : "Craig is the obvious choice for the head judge job in many respects.
"He’s been there from the beginning and is part of the fabric of the show."
However, the source added that Anton Du Beke, a favourite professional dancer among fans of the show, is also being lined up to join the panel to be a tonic to Craig's infamous put downs.
They said: "But there is a sticking point.
"They are wary of how the public would view Craig, because he is so different to Len, so they’re keen for Anton to be on the panel too.
"Having Anton next to Craig would make for great TV as they are bound to differ over scoring."
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Anton, 50, is one of only two original pros still on the show, and while he has never been able to lift the glitterball trophy with his celebrity dance partners, he is held in high regard among viewers.
The insider continued: "Anton is very much the ‘grannies’ favourite’.
"His personality is more in line with Len’s. But they feel it is quite a leap to make from pro dancer to head judge, so it’s unlikely he’d get the head judge title.”
Len will continue to head the current panel, which also includes former prima ballerina Darcey Bussell and the flamboyant Bruno Tonioli.
But despite being a judge since the first series of Strictly along with Len and Craig, the Italian reportedly has no interest in vying for the head judge role.
The source added: “There’s no rush, but they have their early favourites.
“Bruno Tonioli isn’t bothered about filling Len’s boots.
"He’s busy enough jetting back and forth from America for Dancing With the Stars and Darcey Bussell is adored but quite happy as she is too.
“Craig is the one with the most energy and drive for the job and Anton has made it known he’d love to be stepping up too.”
Strictly execs have also been believed to have considered Brendan Cole - who is the only other original professional dancer left on the show - and Australian Dancing With The Stars judge Helen Tichey.
The race for head judge comes as the line up for the new series continues to be announced, with Team GB gymnast Claudia Fragapane being the latest name to be revealed on Saturday.