‘Strictly Come Dancing’: Anton Du Beke Receives Further Backing For Judging Panel Role

Judy Murray has backed her ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ partner Anton Du Beke for the judging panel, following the news that Len Goodman will depart after this series.

Anton has already been named favourite to take over from the head judge, but every little helps, and Judy is pretty certain that the pro would make a fantastic addition to the panel.

Speaking to Digital Spy, she explained: “I think he would make a tremendous judge.

“He is a great dancer, but he’s also a household name and a real student of dance. The things that he taught me, about the history of ballroom dancing in particular - he is a real student of what he does.

“He’s also a born entertainer. He has great banter, he’s effortlessly funny and the viewers love him, so I think he would be perfect as a judge.”

Judy’s the latest in a long line of former ‘Strictly’ stars to discuss the matter, and others to do so include Arlene Phillips and Alesha Dixon.

While Alesha has ruled out returning, and called for the BBC to just have a panel of three, Arlene is keen to resume her role.

Meanwhile, the line-up for this year’s series is currently being announced and celebs confirmed so far include Ed Balls, Will Young and presenter Laura Whitmore.

BBC Sport’s Ore Oduba and former ‘Xtra Factor’ presenter Melvin Odom will also be getting their dancing shoes on.

The rest of the line-up will be announced in the coming weeks.