Darcey Bussell joins Strictly judging panel

Former Royal Ballet star Darcey Bussell has been confirmed as the new judge on “Strictly Come Dancing” when the BBC1 show returns in autumn.

Bussell, who appeared as a guest judge on “Strictly” in 2009, joins on a full-time basis to replace Alesha Dixon.

Darcey told the BBC: “‘Strictly’ combines quality dance and great entertainment, which is such a positive for everybody involved. I am very excited and really looking forward to being part of the ‘Strictly’ team.”

BBC1 controller Danny Cohen said: “‘Strictly Come Dancing’ is a real jewel in the crown and I can think of no one better to join our ‘Strictly’ judging panel than Darcey, the UK’s queen of ballet.

“Darcey has all the poise and glamour, along with the experience and credentials, to deliver meaningful and insightful critiques of our couples’ performances. She’s a huge fan of the show and will be a fantastic addition to the ‘Strictly’ family.”

Bussell, 42, retired as a dancer in 2007. She will join Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli on the judging panel, replacing Alesha who moved to ITV to judge on “Britain’s Got Talent”.

Photograph © BBC

Nicola Rayner

Nicola Rayner was editor of Dance Today from 2010 to 2015. She has written for a number of publications including The Guardian, The Independent and Time Out Buenos Aires, where she cut her teeth as a dance journalist working on the tango section. Today she continues to dance everything from ballroom to breakdance, with varying degrees of success. Her debut novel, The Girl Before You, was published last year in paperback, ebook and audiobook.