'Strictly Come Dancing': Craig Revel Horwood 'To Replace Len Goodman As Head Judge'

Craig Revel Horwood is reportedly being lined up to replace Len Goodman as Head Judge on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.

While Craig is already on the panel of the BBC ballroom show, The Mirror has claimed bosses want to see him step up, rather than have a new addition take over Len’s role.

The 72-year-old announced he would be leaving ‘Strictly’ at the end of the upcoming series, after 12 years on the show.

It has been stongly suggested that current professional dancer Anton Du Beke will fill his spare seat behind the judges’ desk, but it seems producers are not keen on him heading up the panel.

A source told the paper: “Craig is the obvious choice for the head judge job in many respects. He’s been there from the beginning and is part of the fabric of the show.

“But there is a sticking point. They are wary of how the public would view Craig, because he is so different to Len, so they’re keen for Anton to be on the panel too.

“Anton is very much the ‘grannies’ favourite’. His personality is more in line with Len’s. But they feel it is quite a leap to make from pro dancer to head judge, so it’s unlikely he’d get the head judge title.”

The insider added that no decision have been made, and other names including fellow pro Brendan Cole and Australian ‘Dancing With The Stars’ judge Helen Tichey had also been considered to sit alongside Craig, Bruno Tonioli and Darcey Bussell.

Former judge Arlene Phillips has also expressed her interest in returning to the panel, after she was replaced by Alesha Dixon in 2009.

“A lot of people have been saying they want to see me back on the show. But I just don’t think it’ll happen,” she told the Daily Star.

“I’m not even going to go there because I don’t think they’ll ask me. But what will be will be.”

Alesha also had her say on the matter, calling for the Beeb to keep the panel as it is, and make Craig the Head Judge.

Len has also backed Anton to replace him, telling the Kent and Sussex Courier: “It would be nice if Anton [Du Beke] or Karen Hardy took over... someone from the world of ballroom rather than stage or theatre dancing.”

The new series of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ launches on Saturday 3 September on BBC One.