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.
It means Darcey, who joined the ‘Strictly’ panel in 2012, will get the job above longer standing judges Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel-Horwood.
A source told The Sun: “The executives would like to see a female in the role, and Darcey has established herself as a major figure on the show.
The source added: “Bruno and Craig have both made it clear they’re not looking for a promotion — and Darcey is extremely well thought of.
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.
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.