Daily Star Sunday

Len’s quick step back to Strictly?

- ■ EXCLUSIVE by JAMES INGHAM

TV FAVOURITE Len Goodman is having second thoughts about quitting Strictly Come Dancing.

The former head judge hinted at a sensationa­l comeback just months after leaving the BBC show.

In an exclusive chat with the Daily Star Sunday Len, 73, admitted he was already questionin­g his decision to leave after 12 years.

Former British dance champion Shirley Ballas, 56, will take the head judge’s seat when the show returns this year.

But popular Len said: “Fingers crossed I will be hoping Shirley has a wonderful time and really enjoys herself. But no doubt when it comes on I’ll think, ‘Cor, I should have done it for another year’.

“I have mixed feelings about it. I thought it was the right time.”

A source close to the telly favourite said: “Len’s been questionin­g if he’s retired prematurel­y from Strictly. He thought it was time he pulled back on his TV commitment­s but has since signed for various other shows. He’s saying ‘never say never’ when it comes to a big comeback.”

And our Strictly insider revealed the Beeb would welcome Len back if he wanted to return in 2018.

Our insider said: “Len is part of the Strictly family. There will always be a job for him if he wanted one.”

Len joined the judging panel when Strictly launched in 2004 and his decision to leave was a huge shock for everyone.

He said: “I’d rather leave and people say, ‘Oh what a shame old Len’s going’ than the other way round. You want to go out on a high.

“I have enjoyed it so much. I love Strictly.”

Despite his doubts, Len praised his replacemen­t.

He said: “I have known Shirley all her dancing life. I taught her years ago.

“You can’t fault her credential­s as a dancer and a dance coach. You wouldn’t get anyone better. ”

 ??  ?? POPULAR: Goodman
POPULAR: Goodman
 ??  ?? REPLACEMEN­T: Shirley
REPLACEMEN­T: Shirley

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