‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Bosses Lining Up ‘Ballroom Giant’ To Replace Len Goodman

A new name has been thrown into the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ hat marked ‘who-will-replace-Len-Goodman?’, but you probably haven’t heard of him.

Gary Edwards, aka The Ballroom Giant, is the latest dance hall star to be linked to a judging role on the BBC show.

The 50-year-old from Romford, Essex, currently appears on the ‘All Access Internet Show’ of ‘Dancing With The Stars’ in the US.

Gary is one of the world’s most experienced judges having won more than 30 international titles.

He also happens to be good friends with Len, who he went to dance classes with as a child, as well as his fellow ‘Strictly’ judge Bruno Tonioli.

A Strictly insider told The Mirror: “Gary got to know Bruno a few years ago when he defended him on Twitter and they have been friends ever since.

“Behind the scenes Bruno has been pushing Gary’s name forward as a possible. Gary is very similar to Len and has a lot of experience.”

Up until now, it was thought professional dancer Anton Du Beke was the hot favourite to replace Len on the judging panel, when he leaves at the end of the current series.

Other names linked to the job include former judge Arlene Phillips, former professional dancer and ‘It Takes Two’ regular Karen Hardy and Australia’s ‘Dancing With The Stars’ judge Helen Richey.

Asked whether he had applied for the position, Gary hinted that he had met with BBC bosses.

“Len inspired and encouraged me as a seven- year-old and dancing is in my blood,” he said.

“I can say I had two interviews with Dancing With The Stars when it was thought Len might quit the American show. I’m flattered I should be linked with Strictly Come Dancing.”