Darcey Bussell ‘has convinced Strictly Come Dancing bosses she should take over from Len Goodman as Head Judge’… as hunt for replacement continues
Darcey's calm composure convinced bosses she would be a perfect fit to replace ballroom legend Len
DARCEY Bussell is to replace Len Goodman as Head Judge on Strictly Come Dancing, The Sun can reveal.
BBC bosses are still considering who will be the new fourth panellist — but will promote ex-ballerina Darcey to the top spot.
A source said last night: “The executives would like to see a female in the role, and Darcey has established herself as a major figure on the show.
“They wouldn’t be comfortable bringing somebody in over her head. The job is quite a calm and level-headed one, for which Darcey would be perfect — and the viewers love her.”
The role will give Darcey the deciding vote whenever the judges are tied over who to save from the axe — a power which can prove crucial to selecting the show’s winner.
The decision to promote 47-year-old Darcey means longer-serving judges Craig Revel Horwood, 51, and Bruno Tonioli, 61, will remain in their current roles.
The source added: “Bruno and Craig have both made it clear they’re not looking for a promotion — and Darcey is extremely well thought of.
“They’ll be more than happy to work with her and won’t kick up a fuss.”
Execs remain tight-lipped over who will fill the void left by Len.
Ex-Strictly pro dancer Karen Hardy, 46, and show stalwart Anton du Beke, 50, are the favourites.
Other potential replacements include Helen Richey, 71, a ballroom professional who is on the show’s Australian edition, and Arlene Phillips, 73, who was dropped from Strictly in 2009.
That prompted ageism claims, which the BBC strongly denied.
Darcey joined the series in 2012 after Alesha Dixon, 38, was poached by ITV rival Britain’s Got Talent.
The Royal Ballet promoted her to principal dancer at just 20 years old.
Her career spanned more than 80 roles before her retirement in 2007.
Outgoing Len, 72, claims he has zero say over who will replace him on the show, but has backed the BBC to make the right call.
The popular judge, a fixture on the show as Head Judge since it launched in 2004, announced his departure in July, admitting it was “time to hand the role of head judge to someone else”.
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He said: “In 2004, I was asked to take part in a brand new BBC Saturday night show and who would have thought me, old Len Goodman, would still be part of this amazing series more than 10 years on.
“This adventure began when I was 60 and now that 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 very much and to whatever comes next.”
His final scenes on the show will see him join the dance professionals for a final performance on the dancefloor during the show’s Christmas Day special.
The BBC declined to confirm who would replace him at this stage, but a spokesperson said: “At the moment all of our focus is on making Len’s final series the best ever.”
This Saturday Danny Mac, 28, Louise Redknapp, 42, and Ore Oduba, 30, compete in the final.