Discover the right package for you. Who are the judges on Strictly Come Dancing 2019? It's safe to say the show wouldn't be the same without him…, MORE: 10 things that happened on Bake Off this week that you may have missed. This meant that, no matter how many public votes were cast in the… As well as delivering his best advice and hilarious one-liners on the BBC show, Len also became head judge on the American version, Dancing with the Stars, in 2005 when the show first aired and has been on the panel ever since. Strictly Come Dancing Judges. In a statement, Motsi said: “I am absolutely overjoyed to be joining the Strictly judging panel. The Mabuse team is growing within the Strictly family following the arrival of new judge Motsi – a professional Latin and ballroom dancer and the older sister of Strictly pro Oti. Actor, singer and American teen idol Donny Osmond appeared on series 12 of the BBC ballroom show in 2014, sitting alongside Len, Darcey, Craig and Bruno, and was known for handing out 'Donny Osmond' tens. Motsi is a former South African Champion and German Latin Champion in 2009 and 2010. On July 22, 2019, Motsi Mabuse was revealed as Darcey's replacement on the hit show. She was poached by Simon Cowell for Britain’s Got Talent after three series as a judge. The Australian-born star has appeared in musicals such as West Side Story, La Cage Aux Folles and Me and My Girl. Len also graced our screens in BBC Four's Dancing Cheek to Cheek: An Intimate History of Dance. In 1996, Shirley stopped competing as a professional dancer and began a career as a dance coach and judge for ballroom and Latin American competitions. Total or partial reproduction of this article and its photographs is prohibited, regardless of links or credits. News Corp is a network of leading companies in the worlds of diversified media, news, education, and information services. On Sunday's result show, Bruno promised viewers the actor "is going to be even more energetic than me!". Bruno has choreographed routines for many stars including Tina Turner, Elton John and Boy George. Shirley Ballas met up with HELLO! 10 things that happened on Bake Off this week that you may have missed, Mark Wright reveals surprising family secrets on This Morning. After the 2008 show concluded, it was announced that Arlene was not returning to the Strictly panel to reprise her role as judge. Bruno Tonioli. The actor – who played Carlton Banks in cult 90s TV show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and was known for his signature move, "The Carlton" – took his place on the panel next to Darcey, Shirley and Craig. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click here. He has been a judge on Strictly since the show aired its first series in 2004. Replacing Dame Darcey Bussell, Motsi is gearing up for her first season on the BBC show – but she's no amateur. He's known for his professional credentials, but he's also the judge everyone loves to boo, offering up his sharp-tongued comments to the hopeful contestants – and he's not afraid of using that '4' paddle! She's the prima ballerina who pirouetted into the ballroom to join the judging panel in 2012 for the show's tenth series. She specialises in Latin dance and her success at championships earned her the nickname The Queen of Latin. The former ballet dancer appeared as guest judge on Strictly in 2009 for series seven before joining the panel permanently three years later, replacing Alesha Dixon. Arlene was on the show until 2008 and Len quit in 2016. Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Now a Dame, Darcey departed the Strictly Come Dancing family after the 2018 series. Fun fact: Bruno appeared as a dancer in the music video for Elton John's I'm Still Standing in 1983, and fellow Strictly judge Arlene Phillips was also on the credits. The lovable Italian has made audiences laugh, given his fair share of tens and, erm, made some racy comments along the way. "I have enjoyed every minute of my time and will miss everyone from my fellow judges, the presenters, the dancers, the musicians, the entire back stage team, and especially the viewers of the show, who have been so supportive. On 13 December 2008, Strictly Come Dancing became the subject of press attention and viewer complaints about an error in the voting system during the semi-final of series six. MORE: Mark Wright reveals surprising family secrets on This Morning. The Queen of Latin has a strict and technical approach to judging, which was very different to Len. Craig Revel Horwood, 54, was born in Victoria, Australia. It started … "I know I will miss being part of this unique show and the fact that it celebrates dance is something I am so passionate about. Sweary mums, penny sales & LOTS of stolen condoms - I worked at Home Bargains, Sex ban back for different households under Tier 2 & 3 lockdown rule, Coronavirus R rate creeps back up again - and is highest in South West, Boris warns he'll FORCE Manchester into Tier 3 lockdown if mayor refuses, Pubs, plumbers and pals - all the confusing Tier restrictions explained, ©News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. However, the majority were quick to defend the dancer and judge, noting that she has in fact already judged her younger sister on Let's Dance when she competed. The South African dancer is the older sister of Strictly professional Oti and joined the BBC judging panel in 2019, becoming an instant hit with fans. Ballroom champion Shirley Ballas became Strictly’s head judge in 2017 following the departure of Len Goodman. Like Donny and Alfonso, Jennifer was fully qualified for the position after winning Dancing with the Stars the previous year. "I have enjoyed every minute of my time and will miss everyone from my fellow judges, the presenters, the dancers, the musicians, the entire backstage team, and especially the viewers of the show, who have been so supportive. One of the last original Strictly Come Dancing judges standing, Craig isn’t expected to give up his role in 2020. “Motsi's natural warmth, energy and passion for dance makes her the perfect addition to our esteemed judging panel.”. Strictly bosses have confirmed that judge Bruno Tonioli won't be on the judging panel for the live shows when the series returns. The Strictly Come Dancing judging panel has changed a few times over the years. After a shaky start, Alesha proved to be a hit with viewers and ratings continued to rise. The 60-year-old began dancing at the age of seven and went on to become a Latin American Championship three-time winner. He is one of the shows original judges along with Bruno. I can’t wait to get started!”. In a statement in April 2019, Darcey announced she would not be returning for the 2019 series. She'll certainly be missed! The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). The ‘Mr Nasty’ of Strictly will be returning for his 18th series of Strictly this autumn. View our online Press Pack. After all three had performed and the judges had given their scores, two of the couples were in joint-first position on the leaderboard, while the third – Tom Chambers and Camilla Dallerup– were in last place. The entertainer has been in the showbiz industry since his early years, rising to fame in The Osmonds, alongside four of his siblings, before going on to enjoy a successful solo music, film and television career. "I am not leaving because of any upset or disagreement at all, I am just stepping away to give more focus to my many other commitments in dance, after seven truly wonderful years that I can’t imagine having gone any better. During her time as a contestant, Jennifer earned top marks, including many nine and ten scores for her cha-cha-cha, quickstep and rumba. View Craig Revel Horwood. She made her first appearance on the Strictly panel in 2017 as head judge, taking over from Len Goodman. He has also been on the panel of the US version Dancing With The Stars. Well, Strictly viewers will be happy to hear that Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse are all confirmed to be be returning to the judging panel for 2020. Go Jennifer! View Bruno Tonioli. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Before Strictly, Shirley enjoyed a professional dancing career, earning the nickname "The Queen of Latin", and won several national and international championship titles. The father-of-four covered for the Italian in 2018 when he also had to work on the American show and he was a hit with Strictly fans. There was no cha-cha-chance I'd miss out!". The original Head Judge retired from the show in 2017, making his final appearance in the Christmas special. And Alfonso is no stranger to dancing. The launch saw the hopeful celebrity contestants paired up with their pro-partners – and it's clear the couples are raring to go and battle it out for the iconic Glitterball trophy. It started with Craig Revel-Horwood, Bruno Tonioli, Arlene Phillips and Len Goodman. Len joined the panel when the BBC show started in 2004 and continued up until series fourteen in 2016, after which he announced he would be stepping down. View Darcey Bussell. Before her Strictly career, Alesha was one third of R&B/garage band Mis-Teeq, enjoying commercial success and a number of awards before launching a solo career. In series four, he was slammed for his apparent bias towards contestant Emma Bunton. But Arlene's judging days were not over after Strictly – she went onto become a judge on fellow dancing show, So You Think You Can Dance UK, for both the 2010 and 2011 series. Lockdown has resulted in me being in LA for the foreseeable, but I'm excited to be involved as much as I possibly can. The dancer reassured fans that she was leaving to "give more focus to my many other commitments in dance" and not "because of any upset or disagreement at all". Len Goodman retired as the head judge from Strictly in 2016. "I am not leaving because of any upset or disagreement at all, I am just stepping away to give more focus to my many other commitments in dance, after seven truly wonderful years that I can’t imagine having gone any better. In 2009, it was confirmed that former Strictly champ Alesha Dixon was to take over from Arlene. We think she's going to be great! Plus, Bruno will be making his grand return to the show full time towards the end of the series. He is a professional ballroom dancer and runs a dance school in Dartford, Kent. Both Motsi and the BBC have faced criticism for her role as judge because of her links to Oti, with some questioning whether she will favour Oti and her partner over others. In 2007, Alesha took part in the Latin and ballroom competition and made it all the way to the final, before lifting the iconic Glitterball trophy as champion alongside professional partner, Matthew Cutler. Click through the gallery to take a look at who has appeared on the panel over the years…. Alesha Dixon became a judge on Strictly in 2009 for the show's seventh series. The show will air on BBC One and is shown on this channel every Saturday and Sunday until mid-December. In 2012 Donny Osmond also made an appearance as a guest judge. Strictly's Executive Producer Sarah James added: “I am incredibly excited that Motsi Mabuse is joining the show. Shirley Ballas. Strictly continues on Saturday (November 16, 2019) at 7.05pm. The actor earned his stripes in ballroom and Latin after competing in and winning the American version of the show, Dancing with the Stars, in 2014. Before Strictly fame, Arlene was an esteemed West End and commercial music video choreographer, whose work includes Saturday Night Fever, Annie and the Starlight Express. STRICTLY Come Dancing would fall short if it didn't have the judges there to critique the contestants. In the lengthy post, she said: "It has been a complete privilege for me to be part of Strictly, working with such a talented team. Alfonso Ribeiro also has stepped in for Bruno Tonioli for a week while he guest judged on Dancing with the Stars in the US. Arlene was the face of dance on the BBC in the early 00s, starring on Strictly and working on reality shows DanceX, Strictly Dance Fever and So You Think You Can Dance. For other inquiries, Contact Us. A source said: “Bosses were delighted with Motsi in her screen test and are confident she will become a household name like her younger sister. Strictly Come Dancing 2020: Who are the judges? Alesha was a controversial replacement for Arlene, taking on the job only two years after being a contestant. As well as being a long-standing judge on the show, Craig has been involved in the musical theatre world as a performer, choreographer and director of many West End shows, such as West Side Story and Miss Saigon. Bruno Tonioli, 63, is an Italian dancer and choreographer from Ferrara. this week to talk about everything from lockdown weight gain, counselling and the upcoming season of Strictly Come... We're used to seeing Fiona Bruce in crisp suits, so it came as a huge shock when she shed her authoritative image in favour of some stockings and... Activate HELLO! The Dirty Dancing actress stood in for head judge Len Goodman in week six of series nine back in 2011, and offered her best advice to the hopeful celebrity contestants. He has also been a head judge on the US version Dancing With The Stars since 2005. But before joining Strictly, Bruno enjoyed a successful career as a dancer and choreographer, working with artists such as Tina Turner, Freddie Mercury, the Rolling Stones and Elton John. From Bel-Air to the BBC ballroom, Alfonso Ribeiro was announced as a guest judge for the 2018 series of Strictly Come Dancing, sitting in for Bruno. She was previously a judge on the German version of Strictly Come Dancing, called Let’s Dance. In series five Alesha won the competition and returned as a judge from 2009-2011. Her first series included a significant amount of controversy after she had a live TV row with Brendan Cole over her comments about Good Morning Britain's Charlotte Hawkins. Craig is known for his cutting criticism and negative comments. We've got more sport, drama, cinema & kids' TV than ever before. Announcing her exit, Darcey said: "It has been a complete privilege for me to be part of Strictly, working with such a talented team. Len Goodman earned his place on the Strictly Come Dancing panel as head judge after decades of experience in the dancing world as a professional, competition judge and coach. Arlene Phillips joined Craig, Bruno and Len on the panel for the first series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2004 and was a judge for four series. She was previously a judge on the German version of Strictly Come Dancing, called Let’s Dance. I hope that I may be very lucky to be asked back again one day.". “I have so much respect and admiration for the other three judges and hope to add my own bit of sparkle to the show. Strictly Come Dancing judges There hasn’t yet been any official word on who will be part of the Strictly Come Dancing 2020 judges panel, but it … So who will be on this year’s judging panel…. Discover the right TV package for you. Yes, that's right (we forgot too!). Darcey is known as one of Britain's greatest ballerinas and spent the majority of her career at the Royal Ballet as a principal dancer, a role which she started at the age of 20. Instead, he will be keeping a close eye on the series throughout the run and will be involved remotely in the Sunday night results show each week. But it is not a new scenario as she is a judge on the German version of Strictly, called Let’s Dance, which Oti has danced on for two series. The Sun understands that the other judges — Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli — were not consulted about her appointment, and were only told ahead of the formal confirmation. Strictly Come Dancing starts on Saturday, October 17th on BBC One. Comments are subject to our community guidelines, which can be viewed, Strictly Come dancing has a new judging panel for 2019, Motsi Mabuse is Dame Darcey's replacement, Shirley Ballas has been the head judge on Strictly Come Dancing since 2017, Bruno Tonioli is one of the original Strictly judges, Craig Revel Horwood is known for being hyper critical, Darcey Bussell is an ex-ballerina who quit Strictly, Len Goodman retired as head judge on Strictly in 2016, Motsi Mabuse shows off her dancing skills and life as 'Let's Dance' judge on Instagram, Motsi Mabuse was revealed as Darcey's replacement, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). His final appearance was on the Christmas Day special. While Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli have been keeping their seats warm since the very beginning of Strictly, there are a few judges that have been and gone, and a whole lot of new faces inbetween.