Len Goodman doesn't think "it would ever work" if Anton Du Beke became a 'Strictly Come Dancing Judge'.

Len Goodman

Len Goodman

The ballroom veteran believes the professional dancer should give up on his dream to become a panellist on the BBC One show - a role he recently missed out on as Shirley Ballas was picked to replace Len in the next series - but is confident he has a job for life on the show in some capacity.

He said: "I don't know if it would ever work with Anton as a judge.

"But I am sure they will always find a job for him, as he is a dad now and he has twins."

Anton was among the favourites to replace Len as head judge when he quit the role after 12 years, but ballroom expert Shirley, 56, who is known as the Queen of Latin, got the nod instead.

While the brunette star - whose son is Mark Ballas, a professional dancer on 'Dancing with the Stars' in the US - is new to TV, Len, 73, had advised her to be "authentic" when she is sat in her judge's chair.

He said: "I didn't have any TV knowledge at first, none of us did, we were television virgins and so is Shirley.

"The tip I would give, which is what I felt about myself, is just be the best you can and be honest and authentic.

"We were all nervous when we started but if you just be yourself and say what you see, then you will be fine."

Len has admitted he expects to feel pangs of regret about his decision to quit the show when he is sat at home watching from his sofa.

He added to The Sun newspaper: "Strictly hasn't kicked off and no doubt when it does I will be sitting at home watching it, thinking 'I should have done that really.' "

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