Strictly Come Dancing star Kristina Rihanoff says she would snap up the chance to replace Len Goodman
The blonde dancer, who has recently had her first child with Ben Cohen, gushed about filling Len's shoes after he announced his retirement
FORMER Strictly Come Dancing professional Kristina Rihanoff has thrown her hat into the ring to replace Len Goodman as show judge.
The Russian dancer, who recently gave birth to her first child with partner Ben Cohen, revealed she would snap up the chance to fill the seat of the veteran when he leaves after this series.
The pretty blonde, who first starred on the BBC show in 2008, said: "If they asked me, then yes, I'd take it.
"I think I would be firm, but definitely a fair judge – especially to the professionals as I've been on the other side of it.
"When you stand there facing the judges and they're ripping you apart, you want to tell them that they don't understand how many hours of hard work has gone into the performance."
The beauty starred in eight series of the hit BBC talent show and reached the final in 2014 with Blue singer Simon Webbe.
She had a year off in 2016 while she gave birth to little girl Milena.
Lovebirds Kristina and ex sports star Ben controversially hooked up after meeting on the dance programme and have relished the role of doting parents to their first child.
This week, The Sun exclusively revealed Strictly bosses are considering replacing fans' favourite Len - who is retiring after 10 years - with not one, but TWO judges.
Names in the frame also include Kristina's ex colleagues and current performers Karen Hardy, Anton du Beke and Brendan Cole.
One plan discussed at top secret “succession” meetings could see a new man and a woman join the panel.
A Strictly source said: “Replacing Len is proving a real headache because he has such experience and is so well respected.
“Dancers like Anton and Karen might be good in the role - but they are inexperienced and might not battle to keep Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood in check like Len does.
“Someone like Arelene Phillips or Helen Richey from the Australian version of the show, would fit the role perfectly.
"They also fit the mandate of using more mature women in key television roles.
“However there is a feeling without Len’s calming measured influence the panel might need a fifth judge to stop there being a deadlock and casting vote. It is an idea that has been discussed privately."
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