Ballroom dancer Karen Hardy has revealed that there have been "rumblings" in regards to her taking over the role of head judge from Len Goodman on Strictly Come Dancing when he leaves the show after its current series.
© Photo: PAKaren may be replacing Len as head judge on Strictly
The 46-year-old professional dancer, who performed on the popular BBC show for three years before leaving in 2008, told the Daily Mail: "'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.
"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."
A spokesperson for the BBC has yet to confirm the news, saying: "It is far too early to speculate about any future judges on the show.
© Photo: BBCLen will be stepping down as head judge after the current series
"We are currently concentrating on making Len's last series the best yet."
In the meantime, Karen will be touring as part of the judges panel on the Strictly Come Dancing Live! Tour.
"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," she said. "It'll be exciting and, for me, I know there are 12 million people out there watching Strictly. I can't wait."
Len announced plans to leave Strictly back in June. In a statement, he said: "This adventure began when I was 60 and now that I've reached my 70s, I’ve decided after this year it's time to hand the role of head judge to someone else.
"I'm looking forward to my last series very much, and to whatever comes next."
