Len Goodman picks his Strictly Come Dancing replacement and reveals he plans to spend his retirement playing golf
Departing panellist has tipped a familar face to take over as battle for judge's chair continues
STRICTLY Come Dancing judge Len Goodman has named Anton Du Beke as the frontrunner to replace him after he leaves the popular BBC show.
Len is stepping down after 12 years on the panel, sparking a fierce contest over his chair, and now he has tipped Anton as the most likely to land the coveted job.
The Sun exclusively revealed Len's exit has sparked a bitter contest between Anton and fellow dance star Brendan Cole.
However, Len has now thrown is backing behind Anton as the race to replace him continues.
He also named former Strictly professional Karen Hardy as another favourite, insisting he hopes his replacement will be ballroom veteran.
Len told the: "It would be nice if Anton or Karen Hardy took over – someone from the world of ballroom rather than stage or theatre dancing."
The dance veteran, 72, is filming this year's series of Strictly as his "swan song" before retiring, and he revealed he plans to spend his free time on the golf course.
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He added: "I am doing one last series - it will be my swan song -one more Strictly and then I will see what happens. At the end of the day I have been doing it for 12 years and I wanted to get out before people started saying - 'et that old boy off'...
"I would like to spend more of my time here [at Wildernesse Golf Club in Kent]."
Strictly fans were left devastated earlier this month when Len announced his departure from the show.
The beloved judge insisted it is time for a younger panellist to take his place.
He said in a statement: "This adventure began when I was 60 and now I’ve reached my 70s, I’ve decided after this year it’s time to hand the role of head judge to someone else.
"It is an honour being part of the wonderful Strictly Come Dancing family and I’m looking forward to my last series and to whatever comes next."
We previously revealed that Anton and Brendan are going head-to-head for Len's seat on the panel.
The bookies have also tipped Karen to have a shot at the chair, with William Hill making her joint favourite along with US choreographer Mandy Moore at 3/1.
Anton had odds of 6/1 ahead of Brendan at 21/1.
