Strictly Come Dancing’s Karen Hardy reveals she’s in talks to take over as head judge from Len Goodman
Karen was a professional dancer on the show for three years
KAREN Hardy has revealed she was approached by Strictly Come Dancing bosses about taking over from Len Goodman as Head Judge when he leaves the show this year.
The 46-year-old, who was a professional dancer on the show from 2005 until 2006, teased she's been in discussions with producers about joining the panel next year.
She told BANG Showbiz: "Let's just say, there's been rumblings going around. But let's just say, if an email comes in, I won't say no."
The brunette beauty added she doesn't think she'll have any trouble settling in as she really enjoys working alongside the other female panellist Darcey Bussell.
She said: "I love Darcey, I love them all. I've been a judge for 15 years so it's not something I'd be in fear of. I'm told everyone loves me and I didn't realise it until recently.
"Let's just keep our fingers crossed. See what the Gods have in store for me ... I keep trying to walk away but somehow they keep bringing me back.
"I've been on there since series three now and I was speaking with Brendan Cole on set yesterday and he said, 'My God Karen we've been on his show a long time' and we love it.
"I don't want to call me an oldie but they love the oldies. I've shared a lot of knowledge over the years."
Karen will certainly have a lot of experience as bosses have asked her to join the panel for the Strictly Come Dancing Live! tour next year alongside Len and Craig Revel Horwood.
She explained: "It was a bit of a shock, the email came in. The tour doesn't start until the end of January.
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"The celebrities won't be announced until nearer the time. I'm the new judge with Len and Craig on the tour and then they'll be announcing the lovely celebrities as the weeks go along.
"It'll be exciting and, for me, I know there are 12 million people out there watching 'Strictly...' but I think getting into a stadium and seeing the passion of how much love 'Strictly...' and dancing. I can't wait.
"I'm not going to lie to you but I'm still in shock. Basically the email came in, I looked at the screen and then I looked away at my work and I sort of double took.
"I just thought, 'Oh you're joking?' and then I ran into my room and jumped on the bed - I literally did that. I must confess, I never saw that coming."
Strictly Come Dancing continues tonight at 6.45pm on BBC One.
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