As there seems to be a lot of comments about who should replace Len, I thought a poll was in order.

Please comment about previous Professionals other than those listed. Or why someone else is preferred.

I chose someone else (who should be B&L Judge qualified) to add a fresh face to the panel and revitalise things.

I opted for somebody else

As much as I'd like it to be Karen, I don't want it to be a former pro or a previous link to Strictly. I want it to be somebody from the Ballroom/Latin world, similar to Len, who we can get to know watching the series.

I definitely think someone else. Fresh perspective

I voted for someone else although I'd be happy enough with Ian. I think if they're going with a former pro it's more likely to be Anton, or maybe Brendan? He's done a competent job of judging on other versions of Strictly. He was also originally a Latin specialist who improved his ballroom to the point he's been more lauded for those routines in recent years, so he is eminently qualified to judge both.

I'd like to be pleasantly surprised but I do think it will be someone already connected to the show, simply because that's their pattern now. Arlene left and they brought in a former contestant to replace her. Darcey was invited to be guest judge for a few weeks of one season before taking over from Alesha later, presumably to ease us in to the idea of her as permanent judge. (Let's just hope it's not...Donny. Week 1 Cha Cha? 10s all round!)

I am in the Someone Else category.

I actually would not mind if it was Brendan but I think it might make things a bit awkward, with both he and Anton having made it clear they would accept the job.

So, on that basis, Someone Else would be preferable, although I fear that Delta will be correct and someone already connected to the show will be appointed - am thinking of KH here, which would be a big turn off for me.

I think it should be Brendan. I think the role would suit him better allow him to still be involved in the show and possibly do some pro choreography rather than having him teach people which I'm not sure is his forte. A lot of people have said he seems to be on with everyone in Claud both fellow pros and other contestants - some have said better than his own usually so I think he'd be a constructive judge and sympathise with the pros and contestants.

He's judged before in New Zealand so he has experience and he is certainly not shy about disagreeing with the other judges and he's experienced with actual dances so would know.

Anton's latin has improved a bit this year but it's only been recently he seems to know enough to even dance it let alone judge it. I think he's found a new lease of life as pro so I'm quite happy for him to carry on doing that.

If they brought in a new face female replacement for Len and either Darcey or Bruno left, Brendan would not be a bad option.

Just really does need a new face on the Judging panel IMHO.

a former pro or someone else

cannot stand Karen Hardy and Im not a fan of Ian Waite

sorry

I voted for "someone else"

I think that a "new broom" is needed - but not Jennifer Grey or Donny Osmond

"In the great scheme of things" it hardly matters, does it?

Write in vote for ME.

I can correctly identify whether or not a contestant has come out or stayed home. I quite enjoy pickled walnuts. I can shout SEVEN really loud. I occasionally have a wild mood swing and start shouting at foreigners.

I voted for 'Someone Else' because I think it would be a real bonus to the programme if Gary Edwards came on board. He has the knowledge, he more modern in his appraisal, and from what I've googled, seems like a genuinely good guy. He's also in touch with Strictly contestants and ex contestants judging by his Twitter feed.

Can't stand Karen (even more so this season on ITT), Anton is okay but doesn't engage me, Brendan doesn't either. Ian Waite seems to have had a major 'camp' overdose, he never used to be a caricature of himself like he is lately. And I genuinely can't think of any other ex pro dancers that I would like to see in the head judge spot. Maybe Flavia, but she wouldn't want to do it, (of course, this is just my opinion )

I love Karen, but I think "someone else" is needed.

This is where I stand too. I know its an entertainment show but I do think there needs to be someone with gravitas to balance the other judges who tend to focus more 'entertainment' things.

In the grand scheme of the entire universe, yes it is a merely a tiny detail.

But in the context of being a topic in the Strictly Come Dancing section of a TV-based discussion forum, it's more than relevant and it does matter in a "it's something to chat about innit" type of way.

Anyway, I would not mind Anton, so he got my vote, he seems like he'd be a very fair scorer and offer constructive comments. Having said that you could probably find that in a name that isn't an ex-strictly pro.

If they stay within the SCD family then Darren Bennett

My point was, that it hardly matters who they get when you have a situation where a new judge with vast ballroom experience can deliberate over every detail of a performance and give a mark of say 8, which all the ballroom experts on here think the correct figure.

Then Craig goes and gives it 4.

See what I mean?

I would have voted "anyone else," but had to settle for "someone else."

As long as its not Karen or someone related to the Clifton clan Im not bothered

I voted for someone else

As much as I love Ian Waite, I'd far rather they went to the Ballroom/Latin world and got someone who has spent years judging competitions and has the qualifications to match them.
I don't want any of the former pros taking a role as a judge.

If it's Ian Waite I'm switching off, can't stand him on ITT.

Mind you at least we'll have all the judges salivating over the male celebs open shirts.

We have the technology...why can't Len carry on judging by video link? 💻

Good idea so lngit s the feet the camera says on, I do not think so!!!!!!!!

You're hired.😍😘

In the "great scheme of things", no it doesn't matter. But this is about strictly, and so the judges, luv 'em or hate 'em, do matter. And I think it is good that it does. There's so much angst going on in the world t the moment, that it is great to have something that doesn't belong in "the great scheme of things" to ponder over.

I too don't want any of the former pros taking the role as a judge.

But what makes you think Ian hasn't got the qualifications? He is very much from the ballroom/Latin world - has danced both since he was a child; competed as both an amateur in both BB & Latin; turned pro and competed mostly in Latin. Since retiring from competition he has spent many an hour judging, etc.