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Len Goodman

Head judge Len knows what he's talking about when it comes to dance. He was at the top of his game as a professional dancer and is now a professional judge both on and off screen.

Despite being a late starter to dance he wasted no time in setting up a dance school in Dartford, Kent, which he still runs today. When Len competed he specialised in a form of ballroom dancing called Exhibition dancing which is all about the lifts! He quickly became a British champion, winning the title four times. When Len eventually hung up his dancing shoes he became a dance teacher and then made the jump to professional judge.

Along with Bruno, Len splits his time between London and Los Angeles so he can film Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing WithThe Stars.

Craig Revel Horwood

Craig Revel Horwood doesn't pull any punches when it comes to giving his opinion. He might be a hard man to please but you wouldn't expect any less from a top theatre choreographer.

Craig's work has taken him all over the world and, along the way, he has picked up a prestigious Olivier Award for his work on the West End musical Spend, Spend, Spend. He has also appeared in the original concert version of Jesus Christ Superstar and, in the West End, Craig has performed in Cats, playing the part of Munkustrap, and in Miss Saigon as Dance Captain.

Craig is constantly on the go choreographing and directing new stage projects as well as judging on the New Zealand version of Strictly Come Dancing.

Bruno Tonioli

Bruno Tonioli is without a doubt Strictly's most flamboyant judge who lives and breathes dance. He was a dancer himself and is now a highly-respected choreographer, so when it comes to our celebrities he knows what a great performance should look like.

Bruno has worked with some of the biggest and best names in the industry such as Elton John, Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury, Tina Turner and Paul McCartney. The ever busy Bruno splits his time between London and Los Angeles to record Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing With The Stars.

Alesha Dixon

The judging line-up for this year's series has an exciting addition in the form of singing sensation Alesha Dixon. Not only is she a much-loved pop star but also a former Strictly champion, so if anyone knows what those celebrities are going through, she does!

Alesha first found fame with the band Misteeq but, after six years together, the band broke up and Alesha went solo. In 2008 Alesha made a massive comeback after winning the fifth series of Strictly Come Dancing. Since then she has signed a new solo record deal and released a hit album.

Darcey Bussell CBE

Also joining the judging panel this year is ballet star Darcey Bussell, who will appear as a guest judge for the last three shows of the series.

Widely regarded as among the best English ballerinas of all time, one of Darcey's greatest achievements was becoming the youngest principal dancer for The Royal Ballet. She has since gone on to perform in numerous productions across the world.

In 2006 Darcey announced her retirement as a principal dancer at the Royal Ballet. She stayed with the company as a guest principal artist but, in June 2007, she officially retired from ballet with a final performance of MacMillan's Song Of Earth.

Darcey has since teamed up with Welsh songstress Katherine Jenkins for the musical Viva La Diva and collaborated on a series of children's books.