Strictly Come Dancing confirms judging panel for this year’s series

BBC bosses have confirmed who will be sat at the judges' table this year.

After much speculation about whether or not she would be returning, the BBC has confirmed that head judge Shirley Ballas will, in fact, be back on this year’s show after her clash with former pro dancer Brendan Cole, according to The Sun. Shirley took over responsibilities from long-standing head judge, Len Goodman, last year, however, there were doubts around whether or not she would return after a rumoured fall-out with professional dancer, Brandan Cole. Bosses on the BBC show have since dropped the dancer after reportedly “losing patience” and have backed Shirley and asked her to return for another year. Shirley will join her fellow judges Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood, and Darcey Bussell who were a hit with viewers of the show last series. “Shirley and the BBC wanted to do another series so everyone’s chuffed they’ve come to an agreement,” a source told The Sun. “The whole panel is coming back. Viewers seemed to like the chemistry between them. It’s all verbally agreed. “Formal contracts should be signed in the coming days.” So, unlike the X Factor which continues to be surrounded by rumours of potential judges, Strictly has everything pretty much locked down and ready for another amazing season – five months before the show is due to return. We can't wait!