Darcey Bussell leaves Strictly: Could Black Country ballroom star take her place?
DAME Darcey Bussell is waltzing her way off our Strictly screen – but who will replace her as judge? One Wolverhampton ballroom star reckons he has what it takes.
Warren Bullock has never been shy about his desire to become a judge on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.
The professional ballroom and Latin dancer runs the popular Zig Zag Dance Factory in Wolverhampton – with wife Jane Phillips – and holds classes all over the Black Country.
He even launched his own television show, Baby Ballroom, which was watched around the globe and featured on channel 5 Star.
The father-of-three has long hoped he could be next in line to take the Strictly judging throne - and now, following ballerina Darcey's departure announced yesterday, he has spoken about how much he would love the role.
The dance teacher said: "Obviously I would love to do the show. I did the original series of Come Dancing, and was asked to be a professional dancer on series two of Strictly but I had another contract at the time.
"I was trained by Len Goodman [a former Strictly judge] and he put me forward for Dancing with the Stars in America, but Strictly would just be right up my street – it's on my home ground, it's local. I would love to do it.
"But if it wasn't me – I do think it should be someone who has knowledge about actual ballroom and Latin dancing.
"At the end of the day it's a ballroom and Latin dance show and competition. I think Darcey obviously had knowledge in ballet dancing at a very high level, and was absolutely beautiful and sophisticated but sometimes she focused on things that weren't really relevant to the ballroom and Latin world.
"I think Shirley Ballas, the head judge, does it perfectly. Lots of people did not know who she was at first, but people in the dance world did as she's an international champion.
"Maybe an ex-dancer from the show, someone like Brendan Cole or Flavia Cacace would be good - Flavia is very sophisticated.
"We'll have to watch and see."
Retired ballerina Darcey Bussell was a judge on Strictly for seven series but decided to step down due to 'many other commitments in dance'. The announcement was made by the BBC last night.
She said: "It has been a complete privilege for me to be part of Strictly, working with such a talented team. I have enjoyed every minute of my time and will miss everyone from my fellow judges, the presenters, the dancers, the musicians, the entire back stage team, and especially the viewers of the show, who have been so supportive.
"I know I will miss being part of this unique show and the fact that it celebrates dance is something I am so passionate about. I hope that I may be very lucky to be asked back again one day."
