Ballerina Darcey Bussell New Judge on BBC's Strictly

Darcey Bussell is to become the 3rd female judge on the BBC's celebrity talent show Strictly Come Dancing. Darcey was the Principal Dancer at the Royal Ballet. She takes over from Alesha Dixon who left the show to become a judge on ITV's Britain's Got Talent.

Darcey joined the Royal Ballet in 1988 and during her career has performed as a guest with leading international ballet companies around the world. In 2007 she retired but remains active in the dancing world.

In 2009 she became a guest judge on Strictly, where she performed a jive with Ian Waite. Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli remain as the other judges on the show.

Darcey says: “I had such a lovely experience in 2009 when I was a guest judge, that coming on board now feels very natural. Strictly combines quality dance and great entertainment, which is such a positive for everybody involved. I am very excited and really looking forward to being part of the Strictly team.”

Danny Cohen, Controller, BBC One says: “Strictly Come Dancing is a jewel in BBC One’s crown and I can think of no-one better to join our Strictly judging panel than Darcey, the UK’s queen of ballet. Darcey has all the poise and glamour, along with the experience and credentials to deliver meaningful and insightful critiques of our couples’ performances. She’s a huge fan of the show and will be a fantastic addition to the Strictly family.”

Katie Taylor, Head of In-house Entertainment at the BBC says: “Having previously acted as a guest judge on Strictly Come Dancing in 2009, Darcey is already part of the Strictly family and I couldn’t be more thrilled that she’s returning to us as our new judge. I know she will sparkle in our ballroom."