New Strictly judge: who will replace Darcey Bussell?

Dame Darcey Bussell has announced that she is leaving Strictly Come Dancing after seven years on the show - prompting speculation as to who will replace her.

The long-running celebrity dance competition will return in the autumn for a 17th series - but Bussell will not be at the judges table alongside Shirley Ballas, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood.

In a statement, Bussell said she was leaving the show to focus on “other commitments in dance” , and stressed that she had “enjoyed every minute” on the BBC’s Saturday evening staple.

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A spokesperson for the former prime ballerina added that “reports in a tabloid newspaper suggesting she decided to leave because she was embarrassed by ‘scandals’ on the show and pay issues were ‘categorically untrue’”, says the BBC.

For viewers concerned the show has “moved downmarket” over the years, “the recent exits of gentlemanly pro Pasha and classy Darcey are hardly reassuring”, says The Daily Telegraph’s Michael Hogan.

“To maintain the gender balance of the panel, its blend of dance disciplines and the programme’s British core,” Bussell’s replacement “should preferably be a homegrown female with ballroom expertise”, he suggests.

So who are the favourites to join the judges’ panel? Bookmaker William Hill has opened betting on Bussell’s replacement. Here are their favourites:

7/1 Alfonso Ribeiro

Pro: the Fresh Prince of Bel Air star, who won Dancing with the Stars in the US, was a hit with Strictly viewers when he filled in for Bruno Tonioli for one episode last year.

Con: Strictly has never cast an American judge, and American celebrity contestants have rarely been audience favourites.

Karen Hardy - 8/1

Pro: the former pro was reportedly a leading contender to replace departing head judge Len Goodman in 2016, the gig which eventually went to Shirley Ballas. The show’s producers may want to opt for a female replacement to maintain the panel’s gender balance.

Con: there are no obvious obstacles to Hardy’s accession to the judges’ table - no wonder she is many bookmakers’ favourite.

Anton du Beke - 8/1

Pro: during last year’s series, Du Beke said Strictly showrunners would have to “wheel [him] out in a box”. By far the oldest of the pro dancers at 52, Du Beke’s time on the dancefloor must surely be coming to an end - a judging gig would keep him on the show.

Con: this year’s pro dancers have already signed their contracts, meaning that Du Beke is likely already committed to another year out on the floor.

Ian Waite - 8/1

Pro: still has a close connection to the show as a regular commentator on Strictly spin-off It Takes Two, and has previously expressed interest in returning to the main show as a judge.

Con: another front-runner for the job, Waite’s only serious impediment is his gender. It has been widely speculated that producers want to replace Bussell with another woman.

Helen Richey - 9/1

Pro: the former professional champion has been a judge on the Australian version of Dancing With The Stars for 15 years, meaning she could not be a safer pair of hands.

Cons: unlike some of the other contenders, Richey is not a familiar face to most British viewers - although the same could be said of Ballas.

Oti Mabuse - 10/1

Pro: since joining Strictly as a pro in 2015, Mabuse has become a firm fan favourite. She also starred as a judge and dance captain on BBC One talent contest The Greatest Dancer this year, giving her some valuable behind-the-desk experience.

Con: Mabuse is still at the top of her game, and certainly has a few years left as one of the show’s best-loved pro dancers. She has also already signed on for series 17.

Further down the list, other suggestions include several of the show’s former professional dancers, with Brendan Cole and Joanne Clifton both 14/1 and Ola Jordan and Pasha Kovalev rated at 16/1.

Former winner Caroline Flack (16/1) and last year’s champion Stacey Dooley (33/1) also make the cut, while ex-head judge Len Goodman is a long shot at 50/1.