Former ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ judge Arlene Phillips put herself forward to replace head judge Len Goodman when he leaves the show after this year’s series.
And not only has Arlene thrown her name into the hat, she also threw a bit of shade in Len’s direction too.
Open Image Modal
Arlene Phillips: Not afraid to say what she sees.
David M. Benett via Getty Images
Arlene, who was on the original judging line-up between 2004 and 2009, said she wasn’t surprised Len had decided to quit the BBC dance show because he appeared “tired”, “irritated” and “grumpy” in recent years.
She told the Press Association: “I think Len for a while has been hopping there and back to America. I’m not surprised. I think he’s had enough.
“Actually on the last couple of series sometimes, I know everyone calls him grumpy, but oh my goodness! He really has let the fact that he is tired or irritated show.”
She then added: “That’s what everyone loves about him.”
Open Image Modal
Len Goodman is set to leave 'Strictly' at the end of this year's series.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
When she was asked who should take up a chair next to Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli on the judging panel, Arlene didn’t think twice.
“Me, of course. Who else?,” she replied. “The BBC will do what they want. Anton has been suggested. He’d be a lot of fun.”
She continued: “It’s not as easy judging. It’s not just about knowledge of Ballroom and Latin. There’s so much involved, with the professionals, with the celebrities, with the entertainment. I think you have to be able to deliver both really well.”
The 73-year-old added that Dermot O’Leary’s return to this year’s ‘X Factor’ made her think that a return to ‘Strictly’ was a possibility.
“It’s the first time I ever thought about it,” she said. “I just went ‘You know people can go back’. We’ll see.”
The only woman we think of when we hear 'Cheryl' and 'national treasure' in the same sentence, the former Bucks Fizz singer is said to have been courted by 'Strictly' for a number of years. (credit:Ross Gilmore via Getty Images)
Paul Burrell(03 of12)
Open Image Modal
After appearing in the 'I'm A Celebrity' jungle and a house guest on 'Celebrity Big Brother', the former royal butler is now tipped to be giving 'Strictly' a try. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Angelica Bell(04 of12)
Open Image Modal
According to a report from June, Angelica is the first celebrity 'confirmed' for the 'Strictly' line-up. However, given the show was still months away at that point, we'll have to wait and see. (credit:Anthony Harvey via Getty Images)
Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes(05 of12)
Open Image Modal
Eamonn and Ruth - pictured here in a rather swanky photo from the NTAs - were chosen specifically by Craig Revel Horwood as his picks for this year's line-up.
He says: 'Wouldn’t it be great to have a husband and wife team on the show? It would be fantastic. But they’d be very competitive - the arguments at home...' (credit:Gareth Cattermole via Getty Images)
Debbie McGee(06 of12)
Open Image Modal
Debbie has said she'd love to take part in 'Strictly' in memory of her late husband, Paul Daniels, who was also a past contestant. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Ryan Thomas(07 of12)
Open Image Modal
The former 'Coronation Street' actor has a lot of time on his hands now he's bid farewell to the cobbles - sparking speculation he's about to follow in former co-star Georgia May Foote's footsteps (or should that be footesteps?) (no it should probably be footsteps). (credit:Gareth Cattermole via Getty Images)
Tameka Empson(08 of12)
Open Image Modal
Soap stars have become as integral a part as 'Strictly' as body glitter and Bruno Tonioli's exaggerated hand movements, so rumours of Tameka Empson's appearance could well have a grain of truth in them. (credit:Anthony Harvey via Getty Images)
Måns Zelmerlöw(09 of12)
Open Image Modal
Following his successful stint hosting Eurovision in 2016 (and performing a year earlier), BBC bosses were reported to be keen for Måns to appear on 'Strictly', with a source describing him as 'very good-looking' and 'eye candy'. (credit:IBL/REX/Shutterstock)
Michaela Strachan(10 of12)
Open Image Modal
There are always a few BBC stars thrown into the mix when the 'Strictly' line-up is announced, and 'Springwatch' host Michaela is thought to be the latest. (credit:Barcroft Media via Getty Images)
Michelle Dockery(11 of12)
Open Image Modal
'Strictly' bosses are said to be 'desperate' to sign up former 'Downton Abbey' actress Michelle, particularly now she's no longer associated with ITV. (credit:Taylor Hill via Getty Images)
Charlotte Crosby(12 of12)
Open Image Modal
Possibly hoping to ride the wave that Vicky Pattison created with her 'I'm A Celebrity' appearance, Charlotte is now hoping she can turn things around for herself with a stint on 'Strictly'.
She's even encouraged her fans to set up a petition on Twitter for the BBC to consider her for the show. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)