We are pleased to confirm that Ballerina Darcey Bussell CBE, the former Principal Dancer at the Royal Ballet, is the new judge on Strictly when it returns in the autumn!
Darcey is no stranger to the show having appeared as a guest judge on the series in 2009 during which she and Ian Waite performed a jive together. Darcey will be joining the panel to sit alongside Head Judge Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli.
Darcey said: "I had such a lovely experience in 2009 when I was a guest judge, that coming on board now feels very natural. Strictly combines quality dance and great entertainment, which is such a positive for everybody involved. I am very excited and really looking forward to being part of the Strictly team."
Darcey Bussell
Welcoming her is Danny Cohen, Controller of BBC One: "Strictly Come Dancing is a real jewel in BBC One's crown and I can think of no-one better to join our Strictly judging panel than Darcey, the UK's queen of ballet. Darcey has all the poise and glamour along with the experience and credentials to deliver meaningful and insightful critiques of our couples' performances. She's a huge fan of the show and will be a fantastic addition to the Strictly family."
We'd like to wave a glittery goodbye to all our users of the BBC Strictly Come Dancing blog as it closes for the current series.
Thank you for all of your contributions, from your live show analysis to your support of our Strictly teams. Join us again in 2012 as we celebrate an incredible tenth year of Strictly Come Dancing. In the meantime enjoy more Strictly gold with a lookback at 2011...
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EastEnders actress Charlie Brooks has been crowned Queen of the Christmas Ballroom just a week after the grand finale that saw Harry Judd crowned champion of 2011.
The five-star Christmas line-up brought a sprinkling of festive sparkle to Christmas day.
Former world featherweight boxing champion Barry McGuigan Quickstepped with Erin Boag, comedienne Debra Stephenson and professional dancer Ian Waite performed an American Smooth, Blue's Simon Webbe and his professional partner Katya Virshilas danced a Cha Cha Cha, Hi-De-Hi legend Su Pollard Foxtrotted around the dancefloor with Anton Du Beke, and completing the famous five was EastEnders' prime villainess Janine Butcher, actress Charlie Brooks, who danced a festive jive with Vincent Simone.
After watching all dances, the studio audience cast their vote for their favourite and the champion of the Strictly Come Dancing 2011 Christmas special was Charlie Brooks.
Reflecting back on the results of tonight's show, Charlie stated "I've absolutely loved it, I've had such a brilliant time, Vincent has been amazing. I've made such a good friend here".
Of course, we were behind the scenes getting you all the best, exclusive pictures which you can see below.
Merry Christmas!
