Darcey Bussell has decided to step down as judge from Strictly Come Dancing

Breaking News: 

After seven incredible series, Dame Darcey Bussell has decided to step down as judge from Strictly

https://bbc.in/2OYBWgb 

BBC's Strictly Come Dancing welcomes 'The Queen of Latin' Shirley Ballas as head judge

Welcome 'The Queen of Latin' Shirley Ballas, to our judging panel

Courtesy of  http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/b37c848f-3478-4b10-b563-b6b06f6c3f04

Shirley Ballas, the British-born Ballroom and Latin dancer and international coach, has been confirmed as our new judge on Strictly Come Dancing. Originally from Wallasey, Shirley is a former 'British Open to the World' Champion, European, German, United Kingdom, United States and International Latin American Champion. She retired from competitive dancing in 1996. Shirley is now an acclaimed and respected international coach to many of the top professional and amateur dancers as well as a highly renowned sought-after adjudicator for Ballroom and Latin American competitions judging all around the world.

Nicknamed the ‘Queen of Latin’, Shirley is one of the top and most decorated professional dancers in the world. She is three-time ‘British Open to the World’ Latin American Champion, 10-time United States Latin American Champion, and multiple-times British National Champion. By the age of 21, Shirley had won nearly every major title she competed in worldwide. She is the only person to have ever won the British Open to the World Latin American Championships in Blackpool with two different partners and reached the finals an impressive 17 times. Shirley still remains the youngest ever female to reach the ‘British Open to the World’ Dance Championship finals.

Shirley is mother to Mark Ballas, the musician, Broadway star, professional dancer and two-time winner on Dancing with the Stars in the US. Shirley was also guardian to professional dancers Julianne and Derek Hough during their childhood in London. The two time and six time winners of Dancing with the Stars respectively are still part of her family to this day.

Shirley will take over from Len Goodman as Head Judge and will have the casting vote in the dance-off. Len announced last year that he was stepping down at the end of the 14th series.

Shirley says, “I am so excited and over the moon to have been given this wonderful opportunity. I can’t wait to get in to the ballroom and be part of the incredible and respected judging panel. Strictly is so loved by the British public, I have always been a massive fan. I just can’t wait!"

Darcey Bussell says, “I look forward to meeting Shirley and welcoming her to our Strictly team. Her years of experience in Ballroom and Latin dancing are impressive and I’m sure she will be a great addition to our judging panel.”

Craig Revel Horwood says, “Fantastic news that Shirley will be joining me and the other judges on the panel. I look forward to working with her on the next series of Strictly!”

Bruno Tonioli says, "I know Shirley well - she is an incredible Latin dancer and trainer and I am sure she will be a great addition to the Strictly team.”

Louise Rainbow, Executive Producer of Strictly says, “I am thrilled that Shirley Ballas has agreed to join our judging panel. The calibre of applicants for this role was exceptional but with her wealth of experience as a World Champion dancer, teacher and judge, she is the perfect fit for Strictly.”

Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content says, “Len’s are big shoes to fill, but the ‘Queen of Latin’ is the ideal new Strictly judge. Shirley Ballas is a British ballroom expert whose credentials speak for themselves; she’s going to be a fabulous addition to the best judging panel in showbiz!”

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2014 - CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN WILL REPLACE BRUCE FORSYTH

Claudia Winkleman confirmed as replacement for Sir Bruce Forsyth as host of BBC Strictly Come Dancing alongside Tess Daly - what do you think of the news? ‪#‎SCD

 

Courtesy of:  By Nicola Methven - http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/strictly-come-dancing-claudia-winkleman-3520561

BBC1 boss Charlotte Moore said the duo were “natural successors” to Strictly’s presenting line up after the veteran broadcaster's decision to step down

 Claudia Winkleman will join Tess Daly to host Strictly Come Dancing, the first all-female duo to front a prime-time Saturday night show.

BBC bosses confirmed that Claudia will conduct post-dance interviews while Tess will step into the shoes of Sir Bruce Forsyth to introduce the dances and probe the judges.

The pair, who will both be paid around £250,000 a year, already host the Sunday night results show together and were “natural successors” for the new series, which returns in the autumn.
Claudia, 42, said: “I have loved Strictly since the second it appeared on our screens. I’m thrilled to be part of the Saturday night team.”

The mum-of-three added: “Working with Tess is fantastic and I can’t wait to spend the weekends with her, our amazing dancers and the greatest judging panel on the planet.”

Tess, 45 and a mum-of-two, said: “I’m so pleased that I’ll be working with Claudia – it’s really exciting having two women host the show.
"And we are great mates – so there’ll be lots of fun to be had on and off the dance floor.”

Sir Bruce, 86, stepped down last month, saying the live shows were too tiring. But he will return for the Children In Need and Christmas specials.

BBC1 boss Charlotte Moore said: “Tess and Claudia are a fantastic duo and natural successors to Strictly’s presenting line up now that Sir Bruce has decided to step down.
"Their commitment and passion for the show make them the perfect pairing to take Strictly into a new era.”

Tess and Claudia are the second female presenting double-act to be joining BBC1 - this summer Mel Geidroyc and Sue Perkins will host The Great British Bake Off after moving to the channel from BBC2.