'Strictly Come Dancing': Karen Hardy Speaks Out On Rumours She'll Replace Len Goodman

Former ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ professional Karen Hardy has spoken out on rumours she could replace Len Goodman as head judge. 

The dancer admitted she “definitely wouldn’t say no” to joining the judging panel when Len vacates his seat at the end of the current series of the BBC ballroom show.

Karen became one of the names linked to the role when she was announced as one of the judges on next year’s ‘Strictly’ arena tour. 

Speaking about the possibility of stepping into Len’s shoes on the TV version, she told the Daily Express: “If that opportunity came along, I definitely wouldn’t say no. It would be amazing [to return].

“I think whoever is lucky enough to get that position will have a wonderful time, but there will be a lot of pressure.”

Karen, who won the 2006 series of with partner Mark Ramprakash, continued: “It has been a big shock and then I was asked to be a judge on the Strictly tour – that came from nowhere and I couldn’t believe the media frenzy that followed.

“To me, [Len] is my dad, he’s known me since I was five. I love him and he’s a legend. He’s ready to party on down in America but I’m going to miss him desperately.”

While we’ll be keeping everything crossed that Karen will land the role, Craig Revel Horwood recently stated he thinks a complete unknown should get the job.

He told the Daily Star On Sunday: “It would be better to get someone brand new. The BBC haven’t decided yet and they’re not going to until we’ve finished this series, which I completely understand.

“I would go for someone from the Latin or ballroom world that the public don’t know.

“You have to remember that we were all unknown when we came on to the show and created our ‘characters’.

“With someone brand new you would get a whole new opinion and a whole new person to either love or hate.”

Len announced the current series of ‘Strictly’ would be his last back in July, stepping down after 12 years on the show. 

Other names believed to be in the running to replace Len include current professionals Anton DuBeke and Brendan Cole, and judge of Australia’s ‘Dancing With The Stars’, Helen Richey. 

‘Strictly Come Dancing’ continues on Saturday at 6.20pm on BBC One. 

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