Today, the panel is a beautiful mess. Shirley Ballas took over from Len in 2017, and she’s the queen of tough love. She’ll tell a contestant their posture is “a little bit broken,” then wink. She’s the headmistress you both love and fear. Motsi Mabuse is pure sunshine—she claps, she cheers, she practically levitates with joy. If Strictly had a hype woman, it’s her.
And then there’s Anton Du Beke, who swapped his dancing shoes for a judge’s chair in 2026. You know Anton—the man who spent eighteen years being the “nice” pro who never won. Now he’s the judge who gives a seven and says, “I liked the lift, darling,” while winking so hard you almost feel it. He’s like the friend who tells you the truth but buys you a drink afterward.
Strictly Come Dancing star calls for two judges to be axed in major
And of course, Craig is still there. He will always be there. I suspect he’ll be judging from his grave, whispering “a bit flat, dear” at his own funeral.
One-Offs and Special Guests
Let’s not forget the wildcards. Donny Osmond once sat in for Len and gave a ten because, apparently, he just felt like it. Alfonso Ribeiro was so cheerful it felt like he was judging a children’s party. And Cynthia Erivo? She showed up, gave a standing ovation for a samba, and vanished like a glittery fairy godmother. You blink, and they’re gone.
The truth is, the judges are the show’s secret sauce. Without Craig’s snark, we’d have no one to boo. Without Motsi’s joy, we’d forget it’s supposed to be fun. And without Len’s ghost haunting every “ten” Shirley gives, we’d miss the old guard. So next time you’re shouting at the telly because Craig gave a six, remember: you’re part of a glorious, sparkly tradition. And honestly, wouldn’t you miss them if they went? Even the vampire? Especially the vampire.
