‘Strictly Come Dancing’: Darcey Bussell ‘Set To Be Promoted To Head Judge’ Following Len Goodman’s Departure From Panel

'Darcey has established herself as a major figure on the show.'
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Darcey Bussell is set to replace outgoing head judge Len Goodman on the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ judging panel, according to reports.

The former ballerina has reportedly been in talks with show bosses to take on the role after the current series, which will be Len’s last.

Darcey Bussell
Darcey Bussell
Ben Pruchnie via Getty Images

It means Darcey, who joined the ‘Strictly’ panel in 2012, will get the job above longer standing judges Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel-Horwood.

Judges Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell and Len Goodman.
Judges Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell and Len Goodman.
Chris Jackson via Getty Images

The news comes after months of speculation about who will replace Len, who is retiring after 12 years on the BBC dance show..

Earlier this week, the 72-year-old named the four people he thinks would do a good job alongside Darcey, Bruno and Craig - and they’re all names already linked to the show.

Speaking on Strictly’s sister show, ‘It Takes Two’, Len told host Zoe Ball his replacement needs to be someone from the world of ballroom and Latin.

Outgoing: Len Goodman
Outgoing: Len Goodman
Karwai Tang via Getty Images

He teased: “My take is whoever they pick is good with me but I do hope they pick somebody from the world of ballroom and Latin.

“So whether that was Iain Waite or Karen [Hardy] or Anton [Du Beke] or Brendan [Cole], whoever. I just hope it would be someone that wouldn’t upset the balance.

The BBC have declined to confirm who will replace Len at this stage, but a spokesperson said: “At the moment all of our focus is on making Len’s final series the best ever.”

This Saturday Danny Mac, Louise Redknapp and Ore Oduba compete in the final in the hope of raising the glitterball trophy.

The ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ final airs on Saturday 17 Dec on BBC One at 6.40pm.

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