I agree with the poster who said there was no need for a third judge, which gives rise to all the "Head Judge" tie-breaker nonsense. Having said that, I suspect when Len goes some people will argue that the show will need a ballroom expert, as none of the other judges have this specialism.
My preference would be for another female judge - echoing the balance of male and female that exists in ballroom dance generally. Karen Hardy's name often comes up, but there are any number of former pros who could fit the bill. Erin Boag, Camilla Dallerup, Flavia Cacace or two-times winner Aliona Viliani?
I have a soft spot for Iveta Lukosiute myself, but I'd be happy to see any of the above. Let's face it, the bar's extremely low: Len's a grumpy old so-and-so and Alesha Dixon was a total joke of an appointment.

How about Erin replaces Len?

Anton would be far better.

I'd like to see Erin return

I have a soft spot for Iveta too.

I think I vaguely remember back when Arlene was axed and Alesha was brought in there was talk of how a more qualified female could have been brought in to judge instead, such as the likes of Shirely Ballas (Mark Ballas's mother), or people similar to her (in terms of dance experience and genuine knowledge) that might not mind a TV career on top of what they already do for a living.

With Len confirmed on his way, surely Strictly can find someone out there from the Latin/Ballroom world to fill Len's seat as the only person that has REAL knowledge of all the core dances, names of the steps and histroy of the dances. We have three members that have a dance background, but with len gone next year none of them will actually be of the Latin Ballroom world. And while yes this is an entertainment show, I think viewers (or at least some) do value keeping some links to the Ballroom/Latin world as a aprt of the show (esp with the entertainment aspect at times overriding and SYTYCD dance styles being more prominent). Maybe I'm being silly, but I'd personally like someone of the Latin/Ballroom world on the panel, despite fully acknowleding this is an entertainment show/competition where pure Latin/Ballroom (in all aspects of dance and opinion) isn't going to necessarily be the most important aspect of the show.

If we have an ex Pro becoming a judge, I would (as silly again as it sounds) like them to have a knowledge of both Latin/Ballroom dancing where practice as well as theory can be evident of their history when giving critique (so Anton doesn't really fit that entire mould for me). But I'm sure he'll be in the running, and so be it. I wouldn't be entirely against Anton getting the judge position, but admittingly I'd prefer a judge type more like Shirley Ballas, and Anton more as a future presenter type.

Karen Hardy has won a World title (hasn't she) and also judges, so she's I suppose as qualified as anyone to take the role, though having read the ITT thread at times, some seem to find her annoying as a personality. Brendan has also judged on one of the Strictly versons in another country (New Zealand or Australia?), so he has experience of the role. I know Camilla Dallerup said on leaving the show that she'd still liked to be involved, so maybe that was a hint she'd not mind a judging role one day. Out of the ex Pros there's lots of choice I suppose, though I still wouldn't mind a new face for Strictly (but that is a known or old face, tho not neccesarily in age, of the Ballroom/Latin world).

My first choice would be a female judge, Perhaps Joanne Clifton.

Some very good suggestions for replacements have been mentioned.

But this is more a "Show!" than a ballroom dance competition. So ballroom expertise is a lesser consideration.
It would have to be someone with considerable presence. I've no idea whether those experts suggested would as far as the BBC are concerned, have enough in front of a live audience of millions.
Karen Hardy is extrovert enough and has enough knowledge, but that would mean having two women in the judging panel, which has not happened before.

There's only been a "token" female presence since Arlene.
Alesha Dixon, (all the gear and no idea) and Darcy Bussell. A glamorous ex-ballet dancer.

And Karen is being " tested" on the Strictly tour as a judge.......

She would be a bad judge as she would just end up lusting after the married men

Don't sit on the fence, tell us what you really think.

Is she, I suppose they'd like to see the public response to her. No doubt she can judge, she's professionally a judge as well as a teacher, so she's perfect on paper, but I take into account that this is tv and even a person on paper might not translate on screen in a certain capacity. I wouldn't particularly mind Kristina as a judge as I found her (and Joanne) quite a nice change from karen when they've stood in for her on ITT.

It's funny because Len wasn't even the original choice when Strictly was in the early stages of becoming a tv show, another guy was on the radar but he didn't seem interested but apparently recommended Len instead.

Compared to the qualifications of the the pro-dancers Len is a minnow. Yes, as a cockney wide-boy character with a penchant for one-liners he is ideal for reality TV, but easily replaceable.

I'm expecting Anton to get Len's job as they are great mates (Len was the only Strictly guest at his wedding) - Anton is getting long in the tooth and Len's word goes a long way with the producers.

Going by a few tries he's not a host material, if he can be a judge, I am not sure either. He makes everything about himself, if he could not change that it would get old pretty quickly.

Anton? No thanks, dont like the bloke, always has something to say trying to be funny when in front of the judges hes anything but, just irritating.

He would make a great presenter if Tess or Claudia stand down, but as a judge he would just make it to funny with his jokes. I know Len throws out corny one liners as if they are going out of season, but Anton's goofy attitude would make it hard to take anything he says seriously. I think he is a great guy, funny, supportive of his partners, but no, not a Judge please.

I couldn't agree more. I don't want to see Anton involved in anything which requires him to open his mouth.

No, please not Anton. Needs to be a ballroom/latin expert. though.

I hope they bring in new blood with proper dance background

Not sure I mind who replaces Len except, not Anton please.