Darcey Bussell is to be promoted to head judge for the next series of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
The 47-year-old former ballerina has been a permanent member of the judging panel on the ballroom and latin show since 2012, after taking over from Alesha Dixon, and BBC bosses now say they are keen for her to take over from current head honcho Len Goodman, 72, who bows out of the role after the final results show on Sunday (18.12.16).
A source said: "The executives would like to see a female in the role, and Darcey has established herself as a major figure on the show.
"They wouldn’t be comfortable bringing somebody in over her head. The job is quite a calm and level-headed one, for which Darcey would be perfect — and the viewers love her."
The move to make Darcey the head – which gives her the power to cast the deciding vote when contestants are axed from the show in the event of a tie between judges – means that longer serving judges Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli will remain in their current roles.
However, the BBC insider claims they were "not looking" to take the top spot.
The source added to The Sun newspaper: "Bruno and Craig have both made it clear they’re not looking for a promotion — and Darcey is extremely well thought of.
"They’ll be more than happy to work with her and won’t kick up a fuss."
A fourth judge is yet be added to the panel to fill the remaining gap.
So far, bosses of the popular dancing competition have refused to name who will be taking up the fourth spot, but show veteran Anton du Beke and former professional Karen Hardy are reportedly the favourites.
The final of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ 2016 will take place this Saturday (17.12.16) when Ore Oduba, Louise Redknapp, and Danny Mac will battle it out for the glitterball trophy.
Darcey Bussell to become Strictly Come Dancing’s head judge
