Nicole Scherzinger to replace Darcey Bussell on Strictly Come Dancing?

Nicole Scherzinger has been tipped to join Strictly Come Dancing as a new judge.

A spot on the Strictly panel opened up last week when Darcey Bussell made the surprise announcement she was quitting.

Darcey has been a judge on Strictly for seven years, sitting alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and head judge Shirley Ballas.

Now former X Factor judge Nicole has been backed to replace her.

The Pussycat Doll singer is no stranger to the show, having previously won the American version. She also appeared in the audience last year in support of fellow bandmate Ashley Roberts.

Former Strictly pro Kristina Rihanoff named Nicole as Darcey’s possible replacement.

She said on ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “Of course I would love to be a judge. But I don’t see myself in that role yet. I love doing choreography and creative stuff.

“I think the panel needs another woman and someone from a different background to ballroom dancing, someone from street dancing or a commercial dancing background, who is also a professional dancer and perhaps a judge.”

Kristina added: “[Nicole] is a beautiful stunning lady who has professional training in street and commercial dancing. She would be a good judge. On X Factor she was wonderful.”

As yet the BBC has not confirmed any details about Darcey’s replacement.

The Daily Mail newspaper reports that Bonnie Langford is also a “contender” for the role.

A source told the publication: “The rumour mill has obviously already started, with many names being bandied around.

“But Bonnie is an absolute contender for the role.

“She seems to tick all the boxes and because of her recent role in EastEnders as Carmel Kazemi, she is seen as very BBC.

“She is one of the standout names being discussed – it’s all very exciting.”

Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One from September.