Strictly Come Dancing bosses pick ‘ballroom giant’ Gary Edwards to replace Len Goodman
STRICTLY Come Dancing bosses have lined up experienced dance judge Gary Edwards to fill Len Goodman’s shoes.
Gary – who famously once taught Michael Jackson how to Cha-Cha-Cha - currently stars on the All Access Internet Show of Dancing with the Stars in America and is well known for his harsh but entertaining comments.
The 50-year-old – who is known as ‘the ballroom giant’ - is a close friend of Len and of course Bruno Tonioli – who appears on the America version of .
An insider told : “Gary got to know Bruno a few years ago when he defended him on Twitter and they have been friends ever since.
“Behind the scenes Bruno has been pushing Gary’s name forward as a possible. Gary is very similar to Len and has a lot of experience.”
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Gary has known Len since they were children and attended the same dance classes in Romford, Essex.
These days the married dad-of-two has relocated to Miami, Florida after carving a successful career Stateside.
He is considered on the world’s most experienced judges having won more than 30 international titles including British Open Ballroom and British Open Latin.
When asked by the paper if he had applied, he said: “Len inspired and encouraged me as a seven- year-old and dancing is in my blood.
“I can say I had two interviews with Dancing With The Stars when it was thought Len might quit the American show. I’m flattered I should be linked with Strictly Come Dancing.”
Len, 72, announced earlier this year that the current series will be his last.
The head judge recently announced that he felt Anton Du Beke would make a good replacement after his departure, while Brendan Cole has made no secret about wanting the job.
Len also named former Strictly professional Karen Hardy as another favourite, insisting he hopes his replacement will be ballroom veteran.
SunBets currently placed Strictly professional Anton at the highest odds of 2/1, closely followed by former Strictly judge Arlene Phillips at 5/1.
Len's favourite Karen Hardy follows at odds of 6/1, with professional dancer and choreographer Ian Waite placed at odds of 8/1.
The Sun Online has contacted Gary and Strictly for comment.
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