Head judge Jason? Strictly stalwart tipped to waltz into Len’s old role
HE BECAME one of Britain’s most popular TV personalities, so filling Len Goodman’s ballroom shoes on Strictly Come Dancing was never going to be easy.
But BBC bosses think they might have found just the man to take his seat on the hit show – and he’s right under their noses.
The Mail on Sunday understands Strictly’s chief choreographer Jason Gilkison is a frontrunner for Len’s head judge job.
Show chiefs have decided they need to hire someone with ballroom and Latin knowledge, just like Goodman, 72. Gilkison, 50, already holds a powerful role as Director of Choreography, meaning he is in charge of helping the professional dancers with their routines and creating the group dances.
He also directed the grand finale routine performed to honour Len’s retirement in December.
Gilkison joined the BBC1 show in 2014 and has gained huge respect for his technical ability and knowledge of the ballroom world.
Producers have also been impressed with his previous performances as a judge on the Australian version of So You Think You Can Dance. He also worked as a choreographer for the US version of Strictly, Dancing with the Stars.
One show source told The Mail on Sunday: ‘Jason is viewed as a perfect replacement for Len.’ A source added: ‘He is being described as a really, really good call by some of the most influential and professional dancers on the show. He is their choice.’
Others believed to be in the running include British ballroom champion Gary Edwards, former professional dancer Karen Hardy and show favourite Anton du Beke. Darcey Bussell is believed to have been ruled out.