Shirley Ballas has been called back for a second audition to replace Len Goodman on 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

Len Goodman

Len Goodman

The 73-year-old TV star left the BBC show last year and the broadcaster is currently looking around for his replacement, with Shirley - who is a British ballroom dancer - apparently impressing during her screen tests at Elstree Studios.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "They are definitely interested in Shirley and she's the only one they've wanted to have another look at, which has to be a good sign.

"She has a ballroom background, like Len, and BBC chiefs are keen to appoint another woman soon now that the audition list has got out.

"No decision has been made though yet as there's still some who want a show favourite to land the role for the fans and keep continuity."

Among the other candidates to have tried out for the role are dancers Anton du Beke and Brendan Cole, while ex-pro Karen Hardy is also seemingly keen on replacing Len.

However, the BBC has insisted a decision has not yet been taken.

A BBC spokeswoman said: "As yet no one has been offered the role of Strictly's new judge."

Meanwhile, Darcey Bussell recently admitted she will miss "bossy" Len on the upcoming series.

The retired ballet dancer says Len will be sorely missed from the judging panel when the show returns to TV screens later in 2017.

She said: "'Strictly' is going to really miss him. He is incredibly clever, ­brilliant at what he does.

"He's an institution. He has his own Len Goodman academy, totally successful at everything he does. It was a real pleasure to be with him ... Bossiest judge was Len, but it was his job to be bossy and so he should have been - but I don't know who would come in next."

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