Darcey Bussell to replace Len Goodman as Strictly's head judge? BBC addresses rumours

Reports that Darcey Bussell will replace Len Goodman as Strictly's head judge may be gaining momentum but the BBC is keeping tight-lipped about the new-look panel.

It was first reported by the Sun that bosses wanted to promote the 47-year-old former ballerina after Goodman steps down at the end of this series after 12 years on the show. Taking the helm would give Bussell the power to cast the deciding vote in the event of a tie.

"The executives would like to see a female in the role, and Darcey has established herself as a major figure on the show," an insider told the Sun. "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."

"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."

Bussell joined the panel in 2012 following the departure of singer Alesha Dixon, who was poached by ITV's Britain's Got Talent.

However, the BBC has said the reports regarding the judging line ups is pure "speculation". A representative told IBTimes UK: "We are currently focusing on making Len's last series the best yet and everyone is looking forward to The Final on Saturday at 6:40pm on BBC One."

Although there's no word on who will take Goodman's seat when bows out of the role after the final results show on Sunday, he recently indulged in some speculation on Strictly's spin-off show It Takes Two this week.

"Whoever they pick is good with me, but I do hope they pick somebody from the world of ballroom and Latin," he said. "Whether that was Iain Waite or Karen [Hardy] or Anton [Du Beke] or Brendan [Cole]... whoever. I just hope it would be someone that wouldn't upset the balance."

The Strictly Come Dancing final airs on Saturday 17 Dec on BBC One at 6.40pm.