Yahoo News Former Strictly contestant backs Anton Du Beke as Darcey Bussell's replacement
Anton Du Beke's name has been thrown around quite a bit as a possible replacement for Darcey Bussell on the Strictly Come Dancing panel.
Now one former runner-up on the show has suggested that the pro should get the gig, with Simon Webbe comparing him to former head judge Len Goodman.
"Anton should be on that panel," the Blue star told Express.co.uk. "Anton is the man. He's funny, he's witty, he can help you but lighten the load a little bit.
"He deserves to be on the show more than anybody because of how long he's been on it and his experience. And he's an incredible ballroom dancer. That's your new Len, as far as I'm concerned."
Simon isn't the only one backing Anton for the big job, with It Takes Two host Zoe Ball recently singing his praises.
Anton himself recently said that he was up to the task of being a judge, suggesting: "Do you know what? I'm certainly qualified.
"I suspect there'll be conversations going on, but it's one of those things... I'm definitely qualified to do it, I'd love to do it, but we'll have to wait to be asked in the normal way.
"I wish I could make the decision for them, but if I could do that I'd have made the final 12 times."
Darcey announced her shock departure from the show last month, later explaining of her decision: "It is not a decision that came easily at all.
"But I knew I had the most amazing time for seven years and it is like pushing your luck to think that I could even do another seven years.
"So I just knew it was time for me to finish and to give that place for somebody else to judge on that wonderful show."
Strictly Come Dancing returns later this year on BBC One.
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