Jason’s hot favourite to replace Strictly’s Len
AS Strictly Come Dancing’s chief choreographer he is more used to being behind the scenes ensuring the dancers strut their stuff.
But Jason Gilkinson could soon find himself waltzing into the spotlight as a frontrunner to become the show’s chief judge.
Strictly fans were left reeling after head judge Len Goodman announced he was stepping down from the role last year.
Len’s seat is yet to be filled and now BBC bosses are said to be considering the 50-year-old for the role.
Jason certainly has form – as well as being the show’s director of choreography he has also won over Australian audiences as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance.
He is also said to have extensive knowledge of ballroom and Latin dancing – just like Len – and has gained respect from the team of professional dancers on the hit BBC show.
Jason, 50, who was born in Australia, has been dancing since he was seven and joined Strictly in 2014.
He was behind the grand finale routine which was performed in honour of Len’s retirement at Christmas and also choreographs the hugely popular Strictly group dances each week.
One source from the show described him as a “perfect replacement” for Len and the “choice” of the professional dancers on the show.
Born in London’s East End, Len has been a favourite on Strictly since it first hit our screens in 2004.
He sensationally quit last year saying age had finally caught up with him. Daily Express readers led a campaign to try to get 72-year-old Len to change his mind about stepping down, describing him as a “national treasure”, but he insisted he would not change his mind and retired after last year’s Christmas special.
He said: “This adventure began when I was 60 and now that I’ve reached my seventies I’ve decided it’s time to hand the role of head judge to someone else.
“I’m looking forward to whatever comes next.”
The BBC last night said: “We are not commenting on this matter.”