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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Entertainment
James Rodger & Karen Antcliff

BBC Strictly Come Dancing star being 'lined up' as replacement after emotional farewell

Rumours are circling that BBC Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas is being lined up to replace Len Goodman on Dancing With The Stars in the United States. The news comes as Len announced that he will stand down as a judge on the American dance show.

A report by Birmingham Live highlighted that a source had told the Sun newspaper that: “Len’s exit leaves a big hole in the panel, but the show team feel Shirley would be a really great addition. Her experience is unrivalled and she has made no secret of the fact she’d love to spend more time with her son Mark, who is based in the US with wife Brittany".

Does that mean an exit from Shirley from the UK hit show? Well, according to reports: "She could hold both her Strictly job and a new role on Dancing with the Stars - as Len did for years.”

A spokesman for the professional dancer and Strictly judge, said: “She loves Strictly and working with the BBC, and has no intention of leaving.”

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Dancing With The Stars first premiered in 2005, and Len has been an ever-present figure on the panel since the show began. Earlier this week, Shirley posted a clip of Len’s exit speech on the ABC show, where he works alongside Shirley's dancer son Mark Ballas, as well as two throwback snaps of the judge smiling.

Shirley wrote: “My dearest Len where do I start. I’m in awe of you, not only as my past teacher, but also for all the years of service you have given to Dancing With The Stars and Strictly. You are, and in my book will always be, a king. Your constructive criticism in helping celebrities improve along with your humour is irreplaceable. An authentic dancer, judge and adjudicator from the head to toe.”

Shirley continued: “My heart is full of so many memories with you over the years and I will treasure those forever. I’m sad you are leaving DWTS USA but we gain you back here in UK. You are a superstar, a one of a kind human with a talent beyond words. A heart bigger than any ocean.”

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