Louis Smith would "definitely consider" replacing Dame Darcey Bussell on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
The former Olympic gymnast – who won the BBC’s celebrity ballroom competition in 2012 – is up for joining the panel, but admits he probably needs more credibility before he could judge other people on their skills.
Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz, he said: "Oh yeah, I’d definitely consider it. However, I’d probably leave it a year to get a bit more credible.
"I’ve learned quite a lot in the dancing world in terms of technique and stuff, but I feel like if I was going to go on and start critiquing people I’d definitely have to learn more about the craft and discipline of all the different styles of dance.
"Because I don’t want to go on and be ‘that guy’."
While he’d be interested in stepping up, Louis – who turns 30 on Monday (22.04.19) – insisted pro dancer Anton du Beke would be a "fantastic" choice, and heaped praise on the star.
He added: "I’d definitely consider it, but I feel like there are more suitable options. I’d love to see Anton make the move across, I think it’d be a fantastic switch.
"I mean, he’s a very likeable guy, he’s a gentleman, he’s charming, he’s funny – and obviously very knowledgeable in the dancing world. So I think that it’d be a natural progression for him."
Louis admits Darcey’s departure is a big gap for show bosses to fill, but he has backed the producers to find the right person to fill the role.
Reflecting on the judge – who joined as a permanent member of the panel the same year he won the show – he said: "Darcey was amazing. She was absolutely brilliant – lovely lady, such class. It was nice to have a different approach from the judging element.
"Bruno [Tonioli] and Craig [Revel Horwood], as amazing as they are, they bring a very theatrical role to the whole thing.
"I think Darcey Bussell has amazing credentials, so it was a pleasure to meet her, a pleasure to be judged by her. I wish her all in the best in what she does next."
Louis was talking after taking part in a new campaign from Huawei and the RSPCA, which is promoting the use of the Huawei P30 Pro phone to increase photo quality and help more animals get adopted.
The dog-loving star – who filmed mini documentary ‘The Unadoptables’ for the campaign – said: "When I take pictures of my dog, you can see all the little individual strands of hair, it recognises when you’re pointing it at a dog or a cat. The technology is insane! I think it’s just common sense that it’s going to improve these animals’ chances of being adopted."
Strictly winner Louis Smith would love to return as a judge
