‘Strictly Come Dancing’ judge Craig Revel Horwood has suggested that he’d like to see Anton du Beke hang up his dancing shoes and pull up a seat next to him on the judging panel.
Craig has suggested that Anton would make a fine replacement for current head judge Len Goodman, who has been with ‘Strictly’ since its launch in 2004, as well as its US counterpart, ‘Dancing With The Stars’.
Craig Revel Horwood
Writing in his weekly column for Woman magazine about potential changes to the judging line-up in the future, Craig says: “My money’s on Anton du Beke joining the judging panel. He could become the fifth judge, or he might take over from Len, if Len ever retires.”
Anton du Beke
We're sure Len, who turned 70 this year, will be just thrilled to hear Craig is already planning who can have his seat if he ever steps down from 'Strictly'. He has previously rubbished rumours that he was planning to leave telling The Mirror last year: “I would never retire from the BBC or 'Strictly' by choice. They will have to drag me kicking and screaming.”
Over the ten years that ‘Strictly’ has been on the box, the judging panel has seen several big changes, most famously when Arlene Phillips was axed in 2009 to make way for previous winner Alesha Dixon, prompting accusations of ageism from some critics.
Len Goodman
Since then, Alesha has been poached by ITV and currently sits with David Walliams and Amanda Holden on the panel of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’, with ballerina Darcey Bussell taking her place on ‘Strictly’.
Last week, the panel had a special guest in the form of ‘Dancing With The Stars’ winner Donny Osmond, who attracted criticism from some viewers, including ‘Strictly’ pro James Jordan, who was heavily against his decision to award Frankie Bridge with 10 points for her routine.