'Strictly Come Dancing' bosses have held secret talks with a little-known TV star about replacing Len Goodman.
Len Goodman is poised to leave Strictly
Carolyn Smith, who is best known as a judge on the Italian version of the BBC show, is being eyed as a potential replacement for the long-serving head judge, and Carloyn is upbeat about her chances of landing the role.
She shared: "It's looking positive and I'm ready to return.
"The Italian 'Strictly' has the same rules and I've done 83 shows. If I succeed in replacing Len I can give a female point of view and on 'Strictly' there are no other experts on ballroom dancing.
"Why should it always be from a man's point of view. I still teach world class couples, something Len doesn't do, and I have 6 world titles amongst my students.
"I have a fiery Scottish temperament and I've become known for my strong constructive comments to VIPs."
Carolyn has claimed she can help to give the popular programme even more "credibility" if she is afforded the chance.
She told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: "I always give ways of improving and never criticise in an insulting way. I really care that VIPs learn and leave the show loving dance, not like Len's approach where he made comments to Will Young that to my mind were unacceptable and pretty damn dreadful.
"Frankly with all my experience I can give more credibility to 'Strictly'."
She claimed that talks are ongoing and that her own successes as a dancer are central to her hopes.
Carolyn said: "Discussions are going well. It's important is that I've been dancing since I was 4, all forms of dance, and have become the dance expert in every home in Italy, with a huge following. I need to fulfil this dream.
"I think it's going to happen but right now I can't say too much."
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