Chelsee Healey and Nancy Dell’Olio rumoured for Striclty judge

Chelsee Healey and Nancy Dell’Olio have emerged as new contenders to replace Alesha Dixon as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing.

The duo competed in the most recent series of Strictly Come Dancing with Waterloo Road actress Chelsee Healey coming second to Harry Judd in the BBC series. Nancy Dell’Olio was voted off in the fourth week of the competition and media reports later claimed the Italian businesswoman was considering taking legal action against Alesha Dixon over comments the judge made to her about her dancing.

Since news that Alesha Dixon was quitting Strictly to join ITV1’s Britain’s Got Talent the press have linked several names to the post. The Mirror now claims that Chelsee Healey is on the short-list while Nancy Dell’Olio is keen to secure the judges role for herself. A “source” told The Mirror ‘BBC bosses have a shortlist of about eight names and Chelsee is one of them. She would do really well with younger viewers and help bring in a new demographic. As a successful past contestant – like Alesha was – Chelsee will understand exactly what the celebs are going through and bring with her that empathy. Bosses have already sounded Chelsee out but Nancy has her heart set on the role.’

Also linked to the role are Karen Hardy, Jill Halfpenny and Russell Grant. Darcey Bussell and Jennifer Grey, both of whom have been guest judges on Stirctly before, have also been suggested. Former judge Arlene Phillips is also a favourite among fans many of whom believe the BBC should bring her back.

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