Tess Daly is pleased a woman has become the head judge on 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
Tess Daly
The dancing show's host is thrilled Shirley Ballas has been chosen as the replacement for Len Goodman - who announced he was walking away from the series last year - because she'll be able to whip fellow panellists Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood into line.
Speaking on 'Lorraine' on Thursday (18.05.17), she said: "She's [Shirley] lovely isn't she. I think Bruno has already met her through 'Dancing With The Stars' which he is also a judge on twice a year in the US. Shirley has worked over there so she's well known and she's coming home to be on our panel. I can't wait to see another lady! She's got so much experience, her credentials are unshakable. She's phenomenal, she's going to keep those two boys in order, especially the naughty one on the end - no names, Bruno..."
But Shirley isn't the only woman on the panel this year, as Darcey Bussell - who has been a permanent judge on the programme since 2012 - will reclaim her seat later this year.
Meanwhile, although she loves presenting the dancing show alongside her best friend Claudia Winkleman, Tess has admitted she's jealous of the celebrities who take part in the new series because she'd really love to have a go in the competition.
The 48-year-old presenter said: "I do watch the celebs and see them blossom and learn a whole new skill - and there is a part of me that thinks, I would love to give it a try. Come on Anton [du Beke, a professional on the programme], give me a twirl!"
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