A Wirral dancer has been named as the new head judge on Strictly Come Dancing.
Shirley Ballas, originally from Wallasey, will replace Len Goodman on the hit BBC show when it returns to TV screens this autumn.
The 56-year-old is a former international ballroom champion dubbed ‘the Queen of Latin’ and is the mother of Dancing With The Stars winner Mark Ballas.
Ballas beat off competition from ex-Strictly judge Arlene Phillips and Anton Du Beke, one of the show’s dancing stalwarts, to head up the new judging panel.
She has made regular appearances on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ offering both a critique of dancing styles and lessons to competitors.
Her influence helped son Mark and dancing duo Derek and Julianne Hough win multiple series of the American TV show, with Julianne now serving as a judge.
“I am so excited and over the moon to have been given this wonderful opportunity,” said Ballas.
“I can’t wait to get in to the ballroom and be part of the incredible and respected judging panel.
“Strictly is so loved by the British public, I have always been a massive fan. I just can’t wait!”