(Fwrd Axis) — Len Goodman hung up his judging paddle after 31 seasons on Dancing With The Stars but Disney+ has reportedly already found his replacement for the legendary judge.
According to The Sun, Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas is being lined up to replace Goodman on the American version of the dancing competition show. Goodman was the head judge on BBC’s Strictly until 2016 when he departed the show to do the American version full-time.
“Len’s exit leaves a big hole in the panel, but the show team feels Shirley would be a really great addition,” a show source told the tabloid. “Her experience is unrivaled and she has made no secret of the fact she’d love to spend more time with her son Mark, who is based in the US with his wife Brittany.”
Ballas is the mother of Mark Ballas, who went on to win Dancing With The Stars Season 31 this year with his partner, TikTok star Charli D’Amelio.
Meanwhile, another well-known name is making the case for her joining the panel. DWTS pro dancer Cheryl Burke has said she would be open to trading her dancing shoes for a judging paddle.
“I think the whole world knows at this point that I would definitely love to. But it’s not up to me,” she said in an interview with Entertainment Tonight.
“What is up to me is my future, and I do know that it is time for me to evolve and see what else there is,” Burke added. “Because there is life after Dancing with the Stars, so I’ve heard. I don’t know yet. I’ll let you know.”
Judges Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli are all expected to return for the new season in 2023.
Dancing With The Stars returns for its 32nd season next year on Disney+.
