Yahoo News Strictly: Gary Edwards talks Len replacement rumours
Gary Edwards has addressed those rumours that he will be replacing Len Goodman on Strictly Come Dancing, admitting he HASN'T received an official call from producers.
The dancer, who is a childhood friend of Len, has been hotly tipped in the past week to step into the vacant judge's chair.
Discussing the press speculation, Gary told This Morning: "The whole thing has been like a roller coaster.
"My phone rang and I picked it up and my friend was like, 'You're all over the papers!'"
The dancer expressed his surprise at Len deciding to stick on Dancing with the Stars in America, where Gary features in its behind-the-scenes All Access coverage.
"As soon as Len decided to stay in America, I thought that was my chance gone," he explained.
However, when pressed on whether he would get the Strictly job, Gary did admit his worry that the rumours may amount to nothing, confirming that he had not been officially approached.
"It has gone through my head and I did say to my mum I could end up as the guy who didn't get the job," he joked.
"But the way I look at it is - you're not replacing Len, he's the matriarch of a family.
"Strictly is in the blood of the English people - Len is that matriarch, so whoever goes in is not going to be a replacement for Len. It's going to be a new beginning."
He added: "The pressure of knowing that he's at home watching you would be the biggest pressure."
Earlier this week, Gary replaced the long-rumoured Anton du Beke as the top bet to take over from Len, following the long-standing judge's departure at the end of the last series.
After all, Gary has a long history with Len, having met him aged just 7 and inspired him to pursue a career in dance.
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One.
Want up-to-the-minute entertainment and tech news? Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @digitalspy Twitter account and you're all set.
You Might Also Like
