'Strictly Come Dancing' 2016: Brendan Cole 'Ruled Out' As Len Goodman's Replacement

Len Goodman hasn’t even left ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ yet, but already speculation about who’ll be replacing him is rife.

The Head Judge announced recently that the upcoming series of ‘Strictly’ would be his last on the panel, with rumours suggesting pro dancers Anton Du Beke and Brendan Cole were both being considered as potential replacements.

However, a new report has claimed that Brendan’s name is already being taken out of the race, leaving Anton the new firm favourite for the gig.

An insider tells The Sun that fears Brendan could clash with the rest of the panel have scuppered his chances of a judging role, adding: “[Brendan would] certainly be up for the role given his experience, but Anton is the hot favourite.

“His critiques would go down well with both contestants and viewers watching at home. Unlike ‘The X Factor’, bickering judges isn’t as appealing for fans of ‘Strictly’.”

Len has already given his blessing for Anton to succeed him as Head Judge, also naming fellow pro Karen Hardy as a possible new addition to the panel.

Meanwhile, former judge Arlene Phillips has thrown her hat in the ring and said she’d be keen to come back to the show if they asked, though Alesha Dixon - who left ‘Strictly’ for ‘BGT’ in 2010 - has ruled herself out.

Before any of that, though, Len still has one series left as the Head Judge of ‘Strictly’, with the new line-up thought to be announced in the coming weeks.

Tap the image below to see all the rumours about which celebs will be hitting the dance floor this time around...