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'Strictly Come Dancing' 2016 'Recruits Judge Rinder For Lineup'

Several big names are in the frame for this year's contest.
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By 

Entertainment Editor, HuffPost UK

Barrister, daytime TV phenomenon and Benedict Cumberbatch's best pal, Judge Rinder may be about to add another line to his impressive CV, with reports that he is the latest big name to be signed up for this year's 'Strictly Come Dancing'. 

The Sun reports that BBC bosses have been quick to recruit Britain's answer to Judge Judy, who already rules over afternoon TV, with his gavel, judge's wig and icy put-downs. 

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Jeremy Vine was a surprisingly popular contestant last year
BBC

However, the legal expert might have to get used to being on the receiving end of the criticism he usually dishes out, with Craig Revel Horwood confirming he'll be back on the judging panel for the 14th series, set to air in the autumn. 

If the Judge does take to the dance floor, he'll be reportedly joining TV presenter Angelica Bell, already signed up for this year's contest. Other names in the frame include 'Downton Abbey' actress Michelle Dockery and US singer Anastasia. Former Bucks Fizz singer Cheryl Baker is also reported to be keen to join the lineup. 

Tap the picture below to open the slideshow:

Judge Rinder: 9 Facts In 90 Seconds
1. He genuinely knows his stuff(01 of09)
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He might be a barrister rather than a real-life judge, but Judge Rinder really knows his stuff, having worked as a barrister for the 2 Hare Court law-firm for 12 years before landing his job as a daytime TV star. (credit:Rex/Ken McKay/ITV)
2. He never intended to be a TV star(02 of09)
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During his days as a barrister, Robert Rinder says he never actually wanted to be a TV star, but has told the Daily Mail that getting his current job was "an exquisite accident", which came because he was doing "a little scriptwriting on the side". (credit:Steve Meddle/Rex/ITV)
3. He insists he's not "too mean"(03 of09)
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Despite some people thinking he might go too far with his putdowns - which he insists he comes up with completely by himself - he told Digital Spy: "I would never ridicule somebody for the public's entertainment. I really wouldn't, and I speak to the people who come on the show as I would my own clients." (credit:ITV)
4. He might want to put that gavel down, to be honest.(04 of09)
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Despite his penchant for enthusiastically banging his gavel, they aren't actually used in UK trials, which has been one of the biggest qualms that more pedantic viewers have had with the show. (credit:ITV)
5. Benedict Cumberbatch is his good mate.(05 of09)
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Judge Rinder and Benedict Cumberbatch are actually good friends from university - so much so that he was the best man at the 'Sherlock' actor's wedding to Sophie Hunter in February 2015.Even more impressively, Benedict was specially ordained so that he could perform the ceremony when Judge Rinder married his husband in 2013.Let's keep our fingers crossed that one day they collaborate on some kind of 'Judge Rinder'/'Sherlock' crossover episode. (credit:Brian To/WENN)
6. Even the celebs are flocking to his court-room(06 of09)
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In one memorable episode of 'Judge Rinder', Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace appeared in his court room because she had a grievance with her former 'Big Brother' housemate, Michael Cheshire.Sadly Nicola McLean did not put in an appearance, marking the first time the two had spent more than 10 minutes apart in the past five years. (credit:ITV)
7. He says not laughing is the toughest part of his job(07 of09)
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When quizzed by Legal Cheek about what has been the biggest 'nightmare' since launching his TV career, he claimed: "I broke down in a fit of laughter during a case involving a mother and daughter suing and counter-suing each other. "But I insisted that the production team keep the scene in.” (credit:WENN)
8. Fitness and justice are his two passions(08 of09)
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Away from his faux courtroom, Judge Rinder is actually a fitness fanatic, and has run marathons in both New York and London. (credit:ITV)
9. The legal community has embraced 'Judge Rinder'(09 of09)
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Let's face it, 'Judge Rinder' isn't exactly 'Question Time' when it comes to high-brow viewing, but he is insistent that the law community are behind the show.He told Digital Spy: "There's real integrity. The legal principles that are applied are absolutely the same principle that would be supplied in a small claims court." (credit:ITV/This Morning)
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