Strictly Come Dancing judges to return for 2014 series

All four Strictly Come Dancing judges have signed up to return for the 2014 series, despite Len Goodman considering retirement.

The 70-year-old ballroom professional recently hinted that he might follow in the footsteps of the show’s former main host Bruce Forsyth by giving up his seat at the judges’ desk.

During the finale of most recent season of the American version, Dancing With The Stars – which Len has also been involved in since its inception – he said: “This might be my last season and, if it is, I couldn’t wish for a better dance to watch to finish up with.”

But according to The Sun, Len has now agreed to head Strictly’s panel once more for its twelfth series this autumn – with Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel-Horwood and Darcey Bussell also set to come back.

A source said: “There had been fears Len might call it a day like Brucie but he has now signed.

“With ITV revamping The X Factor, the BBC is going to have a big battle to keep Strictly out in front. They will be happy they have their judging panel secured.”

Forsyth announced in April that he will no longer host Strictly’s main series, saying: “I am very proud of what the show has achieved and confident it will entertain the nation for many years to come.”

As a result, Claudia Winkleman – who previously filled in for him on his weekends off – will now become Tess Daly’s full-time co-host.

However, the BBC says that Brucie will continue to front one-off pre-recorded editions of Strictly – such as the annual Christmas and Children in Need specials.

The new series is expected to kick off in September, with rumoured participants including Daly’s TV presenter husband Vernon Kay and tennis ace Andy Murray’s mum Judy.

MARKMEETS is one of the largest independent online Entertainment Websites in the UK; delivering a variety of features from Showbiz news and photos, reviews to backstage interviews around the Globe since 2004. We cover a wide range of topics – Music, Movies, TV, Showbiz, Red Carpet, Fashion, Lifestyle & Westend.

“We’re Here To Inspire And Lead The Way In Entertainment”. – MarkMeets