Strictly Come Dancing’s remaining judges will meet with BBC over Darcey Bussell’s replacement

WITH DARCEY BUSSELL having waltzed off because Strictly Come Dancing has become too sleazy, it’s no wonder the BBC wants to keep its remaining three judges on board.

Originals Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood, and head judge Shirley Ballas, are now so ­imperative to the celeb dance series that they’ll get a say in who will join them on the panel.

I can reveal a meeting is being set for next month where the trio will meet with Beeb bosses to contribute their views about the show, including who the fourth judge should be.

By that point Craig will have finished his work commitments in Australia, where he judges the local version, and Bruno will have returned from his usual stint in Los Angeles.

While the executives have made it clear they will have the final decision on who gets picked, it’s obvious they’re shaken by Darcey’s departure and would like to keep the others happy.

My show insider describes it as “imperative” the judges “all agree and get on with” the new judge.

I revealed last month that top male ballerina Carlos Acosta is top of the Beeb’s shortlist — and he is heartily endorsed by the other judges — but he’s no guarantee, especially as his price demands are high.

Current pro Anton Du Beke is the obvious favourite with viewers but less popular with the execs.

His audition for Len Goodman’s empty seat, which eventually went to the exceptional Shirley, is said to have been lacklustre.

Another audition process is expected to take place, with at least one of the current judges set to be present, because BBC bosses like to be seen as fair and not giving any contender special treatment.

Last night a BBC spokesman confirmed the judges will meet with production when they are all back in the UK and will be consulted on the new judge.

So let the battle to be the new Darcey commence.

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