Which dancing queen will replace Len on Strictly?
THEY all have extensive TV experience and CVs packed with world dance titles.
Now three dancing queens are competing for one of the most sought-after jobs in showbiz: a Strictly Come Dancing judge.
Former Strictly pro Karen Hardy, ‘Queen of Latin’ Shirley Ballas and Ireland’s Dancing with the Stars judge Loraine Barry have emerged as the frontrunners to fill Len Goodman’s spot.
Miss Hardy, 46, is already known to fans from her own time on the show, as well as being a firm fixture on spin-off show It Takes Two.
The trio took part in secret auditions at Elstree Studios last week, with show insiders claiming Miss Ballas, 56 – who judged the US Dancing with the Stars in 2009 – was the strongest of the three.
But the Mail can reveal the international Latin champion was allegedly involved in a bust-up with former Strictly pro Kristina Rihanoff at a party in 2015, which could hinder her chances.
It came after Miss Ballas’ ex-husband Corky left her for Miss Rihanoff after becoming her dance teacher in 2003. Miss Rihanoff, 39, is currently with former Strictly partner, ex-rugby ace Ben Cohen, with whom she had a daughter last year.
Producers of the hit BBC show are said to be ‘extremely keen’ to fill Goodman’s with a female judge, to sit alongside Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood.
However, four men remain in contention: Strictly pros Anton du Beke and Brendan Cole, ex-ballroom dancer and Miss Barry’s co-judge Brian Redmond and Strictly choreographer Jason Gilkison. An insider said: ‘Producers are extremely keen to fill Len’s spot with a female judge, and Shirley, Karen and Loraine have all really impressed in the screen test.
‘But no one has been offered the job yet, and BBC bosses are likely to think long and hard about who is the best fit.’ A BBC spokesman said: ‘This is speculation. As yet no-one has been offered the role.’
BBC Breakfast host Dan Walker is reportedly the ‘number one target’ for Strictly bosses this year, with sources saying they are ‘desperate to sign him as a contestant. The 40-yearold previously said it’s ‘not for me’, but talks are said to be ongoing.