I've mixed feelings about Len leaving. He can be a grump and sometimes plain rude, and his script was a bit tortuous at times, but I like having a traditionalist in the mix.

I'd like a knowledgeable, no-nonsense, female Russian to take over and I believe Aliona may be free! Or Lilia, perhaps? Or maybe Mrs Gleb... 😂 .

Shirley Ballas is articulate and straight-talking and knows her onions.

Both Vincent and Flavia would be popular and respected - but perhaps Flav is too nice 🤔 .



It's going to be Anton, isn't it? 😏

Yes, I didn't mean he wouldn't work as a judge because of competitiveness, you're very right in that aspect. What I meant is that he has got far too many quirks to work it properly. But, coming to think of that, haven't they all?

I agree, I suspect only judging Brendan would be an issue, and probably the show would play that aspect up for all it's worth.

I do like the idea of a second female judge, and Karen would be the only real option there. She can be incredibly grating and limelight seeking though - probably two things inevitable for the next judge unfortunately! I really don't think there will be anyone new on the panel that the viewers don't have at least a certain familiarity with. Actually, my top pick, out of all the potential judges, would be Ian. I absolutely adore him on ITT, he's astute and can pick out the good and bad of a celeb's rehearsal performance, as well as spotting clever choreography. He's always been one of my favourite pro dancers, and would love to see him on the main show. He's a long shot though.

I hadn't thought of Ian, good thinking!

Just realised something Who's going to do Len's Lens?????

Anton would be dreadful choice and do not think it will be him - if they have head judge has to be someone qualified in BOTH ballroom and latin so that rules out all the other judges imo

Towards the end of last year someone quite big in Ballroom and Latin world (a judge) hinted that some people have been sounded out re judging on the show (though they mentioned nothing of Len going) - if that is the case then think they are looking to dance world for his replacement

Please God - no to having Craig as head judge - he doesn't know his arse from his elbow when it comes to Ballroom and Latin dancing, and his head is already huge!

I'd love to see one of the ex pros take on the role - as has been said, Ian Waite would be perfect - he's a real life judge as well as a fabulous dancer himself, and would I think be fair to everyone and give constructive criticism

I don't see why they would go for former pros to judge and whilst Karen and Ian are good on ITT not sure about on the panel. If a female judge was wanted then someone like Shirley Ballas would be good

I would chose Brendan ahead of Anton. He's judged the NZ version of Strictly, but you're right they will probably go for Anton

Fingers crossed! As I posted previously, I really would like to see someone with a proper B/L background as a replacement.

I can easily see it being Karen or Ian as they're still involved in Strictly and haven't partnered a celeb for some years. I also wouldn't mind seeing Lilia as a judge.

Shirley Ballas would be fantastic -- definitely my top choice -- but I'm not sure I see her wanting to do it. Perhaps in the earlier days of Strictly when it really was about learning ballroom and latin, but now that Strictly is becoming more and more gimmicky and less and less about the dances, I wonder if she'd be interested.

I agree. I find it odd that they would be sounding out serious ballroom judges when they seem to actively discourage pros from doing serious ballroom dances with proper technique.

Maybe kevin he is lens godson after all

You forget that her boys Mark and Derek involved with DWTS and so she is well used to a format that is less about the dancing and even with the changes in Strictly it still has more content than the DWTS format

At the time I was told about people being approached re Strictly must admit didn't hold much stock by it but am now going to ask the person who told me what was said and if any rumours going around will be interesting to see who they do pick - I think if by some chance they pick Tony then that will stop me watching sadly

Kevin's daddy.

Completely agree.

Would love Karen Hardy to get it.

Same here. When he was on form Len was a great judge but sadly his desire for the more traditional ballroom dancing that he was raised upon meant he could be terribly bad tempered at times. It's very important to me that we have a judge with 10-Dance experience or equivalent in both disciplines to keep the judging panel balanced. I would not care for Anton.

No thank you - more than enough Cliftons already ! Kevin is OK , the other two not so much.

Flavia is the only ex pro that I'd be happy to see on the judging panel.
It's a big NO to Karen Hardy, Lilia Kopylova, Erin Boag or ... God forbid ... either of the Jordans.
No also to Joanne, absolutely not ... especially if Kevin is still dancing.

Well, that was surprising, not that Len is leaving but how I found out. I heard Jeremy Corbyn mention it at Cameron's last PMQs.

I want Ian Waite to do it. I like Karen Hardy but I know she's marmite to fans so maybe not.

I would love to see Ian take over as a judge. I think he would suit perfectly between Craig, Darcy and Bruno.

Flavia yes please I miss her on the show

Latest betting:

Who will be the next Permanent Judge?

Anton du Beke 2/1
Karen Hardy 7/1
Ian Waite 8/1
Louie Spence 10/1
Tom Chambers 10/1
Arlene Phillips 12/1
Kimberly Wyatt 16/1
Erin Boag 16/1
Wayne Sleep 20/1
Brendan Cole 20/1
Lionel Blair 20/1
Zoe Ball 20/1
Davina McCall 25/1
Ashley Banjo 25/1
Alesha Dixon 25/1
Vincent Simone 33/1
Ruthie Henshall 33/1
Carlos Acosta 50/1
Joaquin Cortes 50/1
Jill Halfpenny 50/1
Jason Gardiner 50/1
Simon Cowell 50/1
Natasha Kaplinsky 66/1
Paula Abdul 66/1
James Jordan 66/1
Ann Widdecombe 100/1
Darren Gough 100/1
John Travolta 200/1
Chris Evans 200/1
John Sergeant 200/1
Ricky Gervais 500/1
Alan Curbishley 1000/1
Roy Hodgson 1000/1
David Cameron 1000/1
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It would be amusing if Arlene got her old job back. 💃

hi VicsMum

as a huge fan of Matthew Cutler I'd love to see him replace Len

It was always a mixture of 'dance contest' and 'entertainment', and I liked it that way. The dance contest side gave them something specific to aim for - and stress about.

Len was my go-to guy in the early years for the dance contest side of things and he seemed comfortable and good at the role of head judge then.

Over the years the show has changed and Len’s experience has become devalued. He has seemed less and less comfortable as the balance has shifted more and more away from the dance contest basis, and Len has become less consistent – even to the level of ‘sometimes you have to break the rules to make a routine complete.’ Sometimes an illegal lift will be praised, other times punished, and I don’t think Len was happy about becoming that person.

I sympathise, because the show started off as a good fit for him and he did a good job for years, and is still trying to. It’s actually a difficult job to do – being a head judge on strictly – and Len was there to add authority and veracity – while still being entertaining.

Craig currently has IMO the reputation for consistency among the judges. Bruno seemed to me to depend quite a bit on Len as a guide to how to judge a dance regarding technique – especially in the early years. Darcy seems somewhere in the Bruno area of judging.

Hey – it’s an entertainment show and they are playing parts. Len started off great and tried to stay at that level but someone kept moving the goalposts.