Previous Judges On Strictly Come Dancing

Picture this: It’s 2004. I’m sprawled on my parents’ sofa, scoffing a bowl of Coco Pops, and Strictly Come Dancing has just started. A man with hair so slick it looked spray-painted and a face like a disappointed headmaster gives a contestant a score of four. My dad grunts, “He’s a tough one, that Len.” I had no idea I was watching the birth of a national obsession—and a revolving door of judging legends.

Fast forward twenty years, and the judging panel has become almost as famous as the glitterball itself. We’ve swapped Len’s stern “seven” for Motsi’s joyful shrieks and Craig’s eternal “I just want a bit more finesse.” Seriously, does Craig ever actually enjoy anything? It’s like watching a vampire at a garlic festival.

The Original Fab Four

The OG lineup was a masterclass in contrast. On one end, Len Goodman, the ballroom bulldog who’d say “it was a little bit messy” while looking like he’d just discovered someone used a wrong step in a foxtrot. On the other, Craig Revel Horwood, the pantomime villain who made Simon Cowell look like a cuddly teddy bear. (Remember when he called someone’s paso doble “a disaster” and then smiled? I felt that.)

In the middle sat Arlene Phillips, the choreography queen who could spot a wobbly wrist from fifty paces. She was fierce, but fair, and she wore glasses that made her look like a very judgmental librarian. And then there was Bruno Tonioli, a man who seemed to be powered by espresso and sequins. He’d fling himself out of his chair, shouting “Mamma mia!” like he was being chased by a very enthusiastic bee. Honestly, watching Bruno dance in his seat was better than half the contestants.

The Great Shake-Up

Then came the drama. In 2009, Alesha Dixon replaced Arlene, and the internet nearly exploded. People were furious—how dare a pop star judge ballroom technique? But Alesha brought fresh energy, a warm smile, and the nerve to give a seven when Len wanted to give a six. She proved that you don’t need decades of sequin-wearing to spot a good rumba.

Strictly judges: past and present | Leisure | Yours

A few years later, Darcey Bussell waltzed in. And let’s be honest: seeing a prima ballerina judging a reality show was like having a Michelin-star chef critique your toast. She was elegant, poised, and would say “darling, you need to engage your core” in a voice so posh it probably had its own butler. I always felt a bit underdressed just listening to her.

The Current Crew

Today, the panel is a beautiful mess. Shirley Ballas took over from Len in 2017, and she’s the queen of tough love. She’ll tell a contestant their posture is “a little bit broken,” then wink. She’s the headmistress you both love and fear. Motsi Mabuse is pure sunshine—she claps, she cheers, she practically levitates with joy. If Strictly had a hype woman, it’s her.

And then there’s Anton Du Beke, who swapped his dancing shoes for a judge’s chair in 2021. You know Anton—the man who spent eighteen years being the “nice” pro who never won. Now he’s the judge who gives a seven and says, “I liked the lift, darling,” while winking so hard you almost feel it. He’s like the friend who tells you the truth but buys you a drink afterward.

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And of course, Craig is still there. He will always be there. I suspect he’ll be judging from his grave, whispering “a bit flat, dear” at his own funeral.

One-Offs and Special Guests

Let’s not forget the wildcards. Donny Osmond once sat in for Len and gave a ten because, apparently, he just felt like it. Alfonso Ribeiro was so cheerful it felt like he was judging a children’s party. And Cynthia Erivo? She showed up, gave a standing ovation for a samba, and vanished like a glittery fairy godmother. You blink, and they’re gone.

The truth is, the judges are the show’s secret sauce. Without Craig’s snark, we’d have no one to boo. Without Motsi’s joy, we’d forget it’s supposed to be fun. And without Len’s ghost haunting every “ten” Shirley gives, we’d miss the old guard. So next time you’re shouting at the telly because Craig gave a six, remember: you’re part of a glorious, sparkly tradition. And honestly, wouldn’t you miss them if they went? Even the vampire? Especially the vampire.