Australian 'Dancing With The Stars' judge Helen Richey is reportedly being lined-up to join 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

Len Goodman

Len Goodman

Bosses of the Ballroom and Latin show are on a frantic hunt for a replacement head judge following Len Goodman's decision to step down and have their sights set on the 71-year-old retired dancer.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Helen is known across the dancing world and highly respected.

"She's been a judge in Australia for 12 years so is used to the cameras and has a similar calm temperament to Len."

And Helen certainly has plenty of experience on the dancing front as she spent 27 years living in the UK competing in both Latin and ballroom dancing.

When she stepped away from the dance floor, the talented athlete became one of the world's leading coaches and has judged national pro championships across the world.

However, Len - who has been the head judge for 12 years - would prefer it if professional dancer Anton Du Beke took his place on the panel when he steps down next year.

He said recently of his potential replacement: "It would be nice if Anton or Karen Hardy took over - someone from the world of ballroom rather than stage or theatre dancing."

Meanwhile, it seems bosses of the show have recently changed their minds as Anton was said to be a "done deal" when it came to stepping into the shoes of Len.

Fellow professional Trent Whiddon said: "It isn't official yet, but it may as well be - it's long been virtually guaranteed that Anton will fill any gaps on the judging panel."

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