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

There is one big sticking point, though...
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By 

Entertainment Editor, HuffPost UK

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. 

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Craig Revel Horwood is likely to be Strictly's new Head Judge
Doug Peters/Doug Peters

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.”

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Len Goodman is leaving 'Strictly' at the end of the new series
BBC

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.”

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Anton Du Beke also looks set to join the panel
Dominic Lipinski/PA Archive

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. 

'Strictly Come Dancing': All The Winners
Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole(01 of16)
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Newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky was the first star to ever triumph in the inaugural series of 'Strictly Come Dancing', back in 2004, when there were just seven competitors to beat.Having obviously been a hit with 'Strictly' viewers, she was later chosen to cover for regular presenter Tess Daly, when she went on maternity leave. (credit:BBC)
Jill Halfpenny and Darren Bennet(02 of16)
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Clearly sensing they were onto a winner, the BBC decided to kick-start the second series of 'Strictly' just three months after Natasha Kaplinsky's victory, securing its spot in the Saturday night schedule in the latter half of the year.Jill Halfpenny was crowned winner second time around, along with her partner, Darren Bennet. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Darren Gough and Lilia Kopylova(03 of16)
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Darren became the first male celebrity to triumph in the 'Strictly Come Dancing' final in 2005, beating Colin Jackson and eventual 'It Takes Two' presenter Zoe Ball in the process. (credit:Michael Boyd/PA Archive)
Mark Ramprakash and Karen Hardy(04 of16)
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Cricket player Mark Ramprakash took home the glitter-ball trophy a year later.Here he is performing with his professional partner, Karen Hardy, at the BBC Sports Personality Of The Year Awards a year after his victory. (credit:David Davies/PA Archive)
Alesha Dixon and Matthew Cutler(05 of16)
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'Strictly' helped breathe new life into Alesha's career, when she and partner Matthew Cutler were crowned winners.Her smash hit solo single 'The Boy Does Nothing' followed soon after, not to mention a spot on the 'Strictly' judging panel... until Simon Cowell decided to snare her for 'BGT', that is. (credit:BBC)
Tom Chambers and Camilla Dallerup(06 of16)
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'Holby City' actor Tom Chambers' public profile skyrocketed, when he and his professional partner, Camilla Dallerup, were crowned winners of the sixth series.They beat TV presenter Lisa Snowdon and 'Negotiate With Love' singer Rachel Stevens in the live final, back in 2008. (credit:Mark Cuthbert via Getty Images)
Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan(07 of16)
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Chris Hollins gave professional dancer Ola Jordan her first, and so far only, win back in 2010. (credit:BBC)
Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev(08 of16)
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Kara and Artem had a double victory in 2010.Shortly after taking home the glitter-ball trophy, they announced that they were dating. (credit:Rowan Miles/PA Archive)
Harry Judd and Aliona Vilani(09 of16)
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Can we please just take a moment to appreciate this photo? (credit:David Jones/PA Archive)
Louis Smith and Flavia Cacace(10 of16)
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The tenth series was won by Olympian Louis Smith and his professional partner, Flavia Cacace. (credit:Georgie Gillard/Associated Newspapers/REX)
Abbey Clancy and Aljaž Skorjanec(11 of16)
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In the first ever all-female 'Strictly' final, Abbey beat Susanna Reid and Natalie Gumede to the glitter-ball trophy.Fourth place was also a female contestant, with Sophie Ellis-Bextor leaving the competition at the semi-final stage. (credit:Rui Vieira/PA Archive)
Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev(12 of16)
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Caroline Flack, who took part in the competition less than a year after leaving 'X Factor' spin-off show, 'Xtra Factor'. Apparently sensing her popularity was on the rise, Simon Cowell quickly signed her up to host the main show, alongside Olly Murs. (credit:BBC)
Jay McGuiness and Aliona Vilani(13 of16)
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When the 2015 contestants were first announced, no one would have tipped Jay for victory, particularly after he continuously played down his dancing abilities.

Cut to a couple of months later, though, and that Glitter-ball trophy was his. (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
Ore Oduba and Joanne Clifton(14 of16)
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TV presenter Ore Oduba beat off stiff competition from 'Hollyoaks' star Danny Mac who was hot favourite to lift the glitterball trophy in 2016. (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Joe McFadden and Katya Jones(15 of16)
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'Holby City' actor Joe was the dark horse of the competition, rising through the ranks as the weeks went on to triumph over Alexandra Burke, Debbie McGee and Gemma Atkinson in the 2017 final. (credit:PA Wire/PA Images)
Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton(16 of16)
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Stacey and Kevin were the surprise winners of the 2018 series, triumphing over other finalists Ashley Roberts, Faye Tozer and Joe Sugg. The pair later went on to begin a relationship. (credit:Aaron Chown - PA Images via Getty Images)

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