Could Len Goodman be replaced with TWO new judges?
Sources at Strictly Come Dancingare hinting there’s a chance that after Len Goodman finishes his last series of Strictly (sob!), producers are considering choosing not one but TWO new judges for the panel.
Apparently BBC bosses want one new male and one female judge to join Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli on the panel for the popular Saturday night programme – and it’s all about finding a balance between the personalities. Two more judges would also make up a panel of five, which would prevent a deadlock situation where the head judge has to make a final decision about who to put through, and therefore end accusations of 'fixing' when it comes to who goes home.
A source told The Sun "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.
"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.
"The plan would be for Anton - or the other judge - to join the panel and the other judge to join for the results show to stop there being a need for a casting vote currently used by Len."
Strictly Come Dancing Judges 2016
A number of people are believed to be in the running to replace Len: names include current professionals Anton DuBeke and Brendan Cole, a judge of Australia’s ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Helen Richey, and former judge Arlene Phillips, who was axed from the show back in 2009, amidst a row around ageism.
At the time the BBC received 951 complaints about its decision to replace Arlene, who was 66 at the time, with Alesha Dixon, who was 30, while the corporation maintained at the time it was in the best interests of the show. But now could Arlene be returning?
Obviously Anton DuBeke and Brendan Cole are strictly stalwarts – Anton in particular now has national treasure status, as he’s often trusted with nurturing the more mature female contestants, including this year’s Lesley Joseph, through their journey – but perhaps he's had enough of that - and does he have the flare to make the transition to judge? Only time will tell..
Helen Richey, 70, is an Aussie legend who has judged the national dance championships throughout the world and has also coached some of the most successful dancers in the world – she’s a great character and would bring a lot to the programme and another strong female voice.
But we're a long way of finding out the truth - after all we can still enjoy sitting back and watching the rest of this year's Strictly.
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Strictly bosses 'lining up new judge' for when Len Goodman leaves