Strictly Come Dancing judges all set to return for 2018’s series

To the surprise of no one, it now looks certain that Strictly Come Dancing will keep its judges for 2018.

Last year saw the panel’s first shake up in years after original judge Len Goodman stepped down.

Shirley Ballas, the British-born Ballroom and Latin dancer and international coach, was confirmed as his replacement, also taking over his role as head judge.

She’s all set to come back for a second series alongside Darcey Bussell, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli.

Craig told the Daily Express newspaper: “Yes same judges. Shirley is back with us, which will be great.

“Bruno is back and being more Italian than ever. And of course the fabulous Darcey Bussell.

“I think it is a great team and it was really good last year, I can’t wait to get back into it.”

However a Strictly spokesperson insisted that officially nothing was confirmed.

They said in a statement: “The full judges line-up will be announced in due course.”

Originally from Wallasey, Shirley is a former ‘British Open to the World’ Champion, European, German, United Kingdom, United States and International Latin American Champion.

Shirley Ballas said on joining the series last year: “I am so excited and over the moon to have been given this wonderful opportunity. 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!”

The new series of Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One this autumn.

The show typically airs a pre-recorded launch at the start of September before the live shows begin at the end of the month.