Darcey Bussell to join 'Strictly Come Dancing' judging panel - Daily TV round-up

Ballet star Darcey Bussell is confirmed as the new judge on 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

She will replace Alesha Dixon, the former show winner turned judge who defected to 'Britain's Got Talent', for the next series which starts in September.

Darcey, former principal dancer at the Royal Ballet, said: "I had such a lovely experience in 2009 when I was a guest judge, that coming on board now feels very natural.

"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."

It's thought that she's receiving a fee of £100,000 to join Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood on the panel and will temporarily leave her current home in Australia to appear on the show.

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BBC One Controller Danny Cohen announced: "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."

Though popular with audiences, her predecessor Dixon's credentials as a judge were often questioned as she was not a professional dancer.

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