Shirley Ballas is reportedly being lined to replace Len Goodman on 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

Len Goodman

Len Goodman

It was initially thought the ballroom and latin show's professional Anton Du Beke was the likely person to claim the Head Judge role on the panel following the legendary dancer's abrupt exit last year but bosses have decided to throw a spanner in the works as it's believed they are now eyeing up the 56-year-old dance adjudicator to take the seat on the line up.

An insider told The Sun newspaper: "Shirley had by far the best screen test and was a natural. Producers want her to replace Len because of her wealth of experience both in the dance world and already being a judge on the telly. But nothing has been signed off yet -- top BBC bosses have to give the final approval as this has become its ­biggest talent job vacancy."

And Shirley - who was a former judge on American version 'Dancing with the Stars' - is certainly no stranger to the world of ballroom as she won the International Latin American Dance Championship with her first husband and partner Sammy Stopford in 1984.

However, Shirley will need to fight off some stiff competition if she wants to be in with the chance of securing the gig as she wasn't the only one who had try outs at the Elstree studios.

Karen Hardy and Ireland's 'Dancing with the Stars' judges Loraine Barry and Brian Redmond have also been screen tested but it's believed bosses are hoping to find a woman to sit on the panel alongside Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood.

'Strictly Come Dancing' will return to screens on BBC One in September.

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