‘Strictly Come Dancing’s Katya Jones hopes the new judge will "know what they’re talking about."
The brunette beauty – who joined the show as a professional dancer last year when she partnered Ed Balls – is devastated that Len Goodman has stepped down as head judge and is hoping that the next panellist will be someone who comes from a ballroom and latin background.
Speaking to BANG Showbiz, she said: "We are nervous, obviously, and sad to see him go. We’re hoping the next person comes from ballroom and latin and knows what they’re talking about. I don’t think we’re going to be worried about who’s going to be there. I think whoever they choose is going to be great. So we’re actually just looking forward to who it’s going to be."
Although he’s hung up his paddle board on the British dance show, AJ Pritchard – who partnered Claudia Fragapane – is hoping to persuade Len to stay on the programme during the tour.
He explained: "We’ve got Len on the tour so he still hasn’t retired just yet. We’ll still try and persuade him to stay because no one wants to see him go."
Bosses are still yet to decide who will take Len’s place on the show but Brendan Cole – who has competed on the ballroom and latin show programme since 2004 – is hoping the BBC will consider him when they decide who will replace the legendary choreographer because he’s the "right" person.
He said recently: "I would love his job. I don’t think there are many people who don’t want his job. It’s a fantastic job because you never get kicked off. It’s fantastic. The BBC will choose whoever is right for the show. I’m hoping that they’ll be considering me while making that decision."
‘Strictly Come Dancing’ will return to screens in September.
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