Darcey Bussell is thrilled there will be another female judge on the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ panel.
The 48-year-old former ballerina has been the only woman on the BBC One ballroom and latin show judging line-up since 2009 – when she took over from Arlene Phillips – and though she’s never met Shirley Ballas before, she can’t wait to have the 56-year-old dancing expert join the team as the replacement for Len Goodman.
She said: "I don’t know Shirley Ballas but I am very excited to meet her and I am very supportive that there is another lady on the panel.
"I don’t think there was anything wrong with the dynamic before but it would be very nice to have another lady alongside me and I feel very lucky."
Darcey says she and her fellow judges, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood, will be meeting with the ‘Dancing With The Stars’ panellist later this year to bond before ‘Strictly’ hits screens again later this year.
Darcey also said that she had no say in who would take over from Len, who announced he was walking away from the series last year after 12 years.
According to the Mirror Online, Darcey said of Shirley : "I will be meeting Shirley maybe in a couple of weeks. I know she is based in America.
"She will be a great addition to the panel – very much indeed – she’s a great champion and her son is a great champion as well.
"So it’s all in the family – all good. Did I have a say in the choice of judge? No."
On joining the show, Shirley previously said: I am so excited and over the moon to have been given this wonderful opportunity.
I can’t wait to get in to the ballroom and be part of the incredible and respected judging panel.
"Strictly’ is so loved by the British public, I have always been a massive fan.
"I just can’t wait!"
Darcey Bussell can’t wait for Shirley Ballas to join Strictly
