Darcey Bussell shocked Strictly Come Dancing fans earlier this year when she quit the show’s judging panel after seven years.
It’s since been rumoured that one of the show’s professional dancers such as Oti Mabuse or Anton Du Beke would be lined up replace Darcey, but new reports suggest that show bosses have instead opted for a former celebrity champion.
McFly drummer Harry Judd, who lifted the Glitterball trophy with dance partner Aliona Vilani in 2011, is reportedly in talks with the BBC to take Darcey’s spot, alongside fellow judges Craig Revel-Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli.
According to The Sun on Sunday, Strictly bosses are keen to attract a younger audience to the show and believe that Harry is the man to do so.
“Strictly bosses are desperate to appeal to younger viewers, as they know that is the age group they need to build on,” a source told the publication.
“Last year that was behind the decision to sign up YouTuber Joe Sugg as a contestant. And Harry has millions of young fans thanks to McFly.
“He is popular, very charismatic and has experience of dancing both on Strictly and in the West End, after appearing in Rip It Up.”
CHECK OUT: Most memorable Strictly Come Dancing moments ever
Most memorable Strictly Come Dancing moments EVER! SLIDER
1 of 131. Ann Widdecombe as Big Bird
2 of 132. Bruce Forsyth shooing McFly off the dancefloor after Harry Judd won in 2011
3 of 133. Gavin Henson snogging Bruno Tonioli
4 of 134. Mark Ramprakash getting tangled up with his partner Karen Hardy
5 of 135. Russell Grant emerging from a seashell
6 of 136. Nancy Dell'Olio's terrible Halloween performance
7 of 137. Quentin Wilson gets the lowest score ever. Erm, 8 out of 40...
8 of 139. Ann Widdecombe's Paso Doble
9 of 1310. John Sergeant's wasn't much better, mind you...
10 of 1311. Bruce Forsyth and Anton du Beck join forces
11 of 13Russell Grant gets shot out of a cannon
12 of 1312. Ed Balls' EPIC Gangnam Style routine
13 of 1313. Susan Calman totally killing it as Wonder Woman
The source added: “They know that he would also hit the right note with older audiences as he is very much a family man, he is a dad with two children.
“Talks are ongoing at the moment, but as it stands, Harry is a firm favourite.”
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Harry has kept up the dancing since winning the show eight years ago, going on to star in the Strictly Christmas special in 2015 and then joining UK dance tour Rip It Up alongside former Strictly stars Aston Merrygold, Louis Smith and Jay McGuiness last year.
This wouldn’t be the first time that Strictly bosses have opted for a former champion to join the judging panel, with Alesha Dixon replacing Arlene Phillips in 2009, two years after winning the show.
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Strictly will return to our screens later this year for its 18th series, with Alan Carr, Vogue Williams and RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage all rumoured to be donning the sequins and hitting the dance floor.
Former Coronation Street actress Catherine Tyldesley is also reportedly in talks to appear on the show, with Strictly bosses keen to sign her up.
“Producers think she’ll be a great signing because of her strong fan following and her bubbly personality. They can see her going far in the competition," a telly source told The Sun.
Catherine previously revealed she would be up for it, telling Hello! magazine she would “love to” appear on the show.
“I'm such a fan. At some point I would love to do it," she said. “I can't dance and have never had the confidence - I usually only hit the dance floor after a couple of drinks.
“But it's something I've always wanted to learn. It's an amazing skill to have. So I might pop up at some point."