Tess Daly backs new 'Strictly Come Dancing' judge Darcey Bussell
Published Apr 26 2012, 15:29 BST | By Ryan Love
Tess Daly has given her backing to new Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcey Bussell.It was announced yesterday that the former Royal Ballet principal ballerina will join the BBC competition's judging panel, replacing Alesha Dixon, who defected to Simon Cowell's Britain's Got Talent earlier this year.
© BBC
"I think she's certainly a credible judge, given that she is a professional dancer," Daly told Digital Spy. "She's been at the top of the tree for years. She's a bit of a legend in the dance world.
"I think her credibility and expertise will lend itself really well to the panel. Let's just hope she can hold her own with the rest of them - and keep those boys in line. They need a firm hand!"
> Darcey Bussell for 'Strictly': Your verdict?
© BBC
© BBC
Daly said that she is not worried by some viewers' concerns that Bussell is not the right choice to sit alongside Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli.
"She's been living in Australia, and I heard that she has been doing some TV work over there, so I think her confidence will have grown when it comes to talking on camera," she explained. "I think that that, with her expertise, could be a winning formula."
Recalling the news of Dixon's defection to ITV's Britain's Got Talent, Daly said that the team had been "absolutely" shocked. She added: "None of us knew that she was about to leave."
© BBC / Wall To Wall
© ITV
With BGT currently enjoying a close ratings battle with BBC One rival The Voice UK, Daly advised the two shows to not "get caught up" in the figures.
"You've got to get on with it and just enjoy it," the presenter said. "If you get caught up in the ratings, then you've already lost really. It's about enjoying it. Viewers at home aren't daft, they tap into a good, positive show. That's why Strictly appeals to so many people - it's a celebratory, feel-good show."
Daly's debut novel The Camera Never Lies is out in paperback today.
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Come on people, give the woman a chance!
July 29th 2012 at 12:15pm
Are you having a laugh!, first you get rid of arlene phillips, then alessha dixon now Darcey Bussell! I acknowledge we has dance experience but its ballet and choreography which is completely different to ballroom. From a ballroom dancer its shocking. and I didn't enjoy her as a guest judge. bring back arlene or put karen on the panal.
April 28th 2012 at 12:10am
she would! probs got paid to say that! I'll say Karen was the better choice hands down. What will it take for BBC to realise the viewers were right? a disastrous next series maybe? Darcey won't last!
April 27th 2012 at 7:52pm
Well I certainly think that Darcy Bussell at least has more credibility than Alesha Dixon, given that Darcy has a long & distinguished dancing career. However, it seems an odd choice surely as everyone has been saying a judge who is more likeable (e.g: Karen Hardy) to the audience should'be been picked? Anyway we don't know what she'll be like until she actually appears on the show, so let's give Darcy a chance.
April 27th 2012 at 7:28pm
Whilst I acknowledge that she has a dance background, which is slightly more than what Alesha has (apart from appearing on SCD), surely Karen Hardy would have been perfect. (A) because she is a favourite with many fans and (B) she has the experience of being a pro on the show and will have the experience of being on the other side of the judges desks. But that's just my opinion.
April 27th 2012 at 1:54pm