The judges for this year's Strictly Come Dancing have been revealed
The show will return later in the year
Last updated 5th Apr 2018
After the success of last year's show with head judge Shirley Ballas, the 2018 Strictly Come Dancing judging panel is set to remain the same. As well as Shirley, Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and Darcey Bussel will also return to the show.
Shirley, who replaced Len Goodman as head judge last year, has reportedly come to an 'agreement' with BBC bosses about her new contract.
A TV insider said, "Shirley and the BBC wanted to do another series so everyone's chuffed they've come to an agreement. The whole panel is coming back."
Despite receiving criticism on a number of occasions last year, Shirley has expressed her love for the show in the past.
Speaking on This Morning ahead of the final last year, Shirley said, "I’ve had the most spectacular time. There’s been some things to get used to like Twitter and the press, but generally I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every minute of being on the show. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed everybody’s journeys."
The news comes as Strictly Come Dancing legend Brendan Cole announced he'd been sacked from the show after 13 years.
Holding back the tears as he appeared on Lorraine, Brendan said, “It’s quite, actually, hard to talk about. The BBC haven’t renewed my contract. We get contracted year upon year. They’ve made an editorial decision to not have me back on the show. I’m a little bit in shock. I’m quite emotional, a bit raw about it.
“It’s done via a process of a phone call and stuff. I have had 15 incredible series on the show. I’m very proud of the whole show. It’s a great team.”
He later added, “I’m disappointed. It’s very hard to talk about. It’s a recent decision."
Watch his interview below:
Meanwhile, rumours are heating up about which celebrities will be taking part in the popular show when it returns later in the year.
With reports suggesting bosses are prepared to break the bank to land former Coronation Street actress Michelle Keegan, a number of other names are also being talked about.
After Rylan Clark-Neal expressed his love for the show earlier this week, rumours were rife that he could be a contestant this year. As well as Rylan and Michelle, the likes of Joey Essex, Piers Morgan and Maya Jama are also rumoured.
We will have to wait and see! 💃
In the meantime, check out the most memorable Strictly Come Dancing moments:
1. Ann Widdecombe as Big Bird
