Exclusive: Is Kristina Rihanoff replacing Len Goodman on Strictly?

We'd <3 this

Kristina Rihanoff

by Joel Cooper |
Published on

There are so many names in the frame when it comes to who will be replacing Len Goodman on Strictly Come Dancing next year.

Poor Len's seat isn't even cold, but we're all gagging to know who will be taking his place on the panel after TEN YEARS of him being the head judge.

So far, rumoured names in the frame include professional dancers Anton Du Beke, Brendan Cole, and former pro Karen Hardy.

But could we have a surprise frontrunner in Strictly fave Kristina Rihanoff?

Kristina Rihanoff
©Instagram

After leaving the show last year, Kristina exclusively tells heat that she would snap the job up if offered it.

"If they asked me, then yes, I'd take it," Kristina reveals. "I think I would be firm, but definitely a fair judge – especially to the professionals as I've been on the other side of it.

"When you stand there facing the judges and they're ripping you apart, you want to tell them that they don't understand how many hours of hard work has gone into the performance."

Kristina also believes the current panel can be a little too brutal with their critiques.

"At times the judges can be quite harsh. They haven't had to work with the celebrity and get them ready for that Saturday night show.

"So I'd be a fair judge."

Kristina Rihanoff
©Instagram

You've got our vote, Kristina!

But don't expect the star to return to compete as a professional dancer after giving birth to four-month-old daughter, Mila.

"I have a family now, she's my world and I absolutely love being a mum," she explained. "Even though I had amazing time on Strictly I wouldn’t go back to dance. Life's moved on."

Meanwhile, Kristina has got her first big dance show coming up since becoming a mum.

Teaming up with pro dancer and fitlord Gleb Savchenko (we still miss him on Strictly, SOB), Kristina will be performing in One More Dance at London's Adelphi Theatre on 11 December.

But what are Kristina's backstage must-haves?

"Lots of makeup!" she says. "I'm going to be surrounded by glitter, fake tan and I'll have someone re-applying my lipstick. Then I'll feel really at home."

Tickets for One More Dance are available at www.onemoredance.london

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