Yahoo Movies Len Goodman singles out his Strictly favourite - but thinks this finalist could win
Len Goodman may only dip in and out of Strictly Come Dancing now that he is no longer head judge on the BBC One show, but he's singled out Ashley Roberts as the most "terrific" dancer in the competition.
However, he's also affirmed that Ashley's previous dance experience could hinder her chances of winning, particularly compared to YouTube star Joe Sugg, who has most probably "climbed mountains" to get to the final.
"I'm not an expert [on Strictly anymore]... I've watched the last couple of weeks because my wife likes it, so she watches it," Len told Good Housekeeping UK.
"I don't watch it avidly but I think the standard is terrific, I really do. There's one girl [Ashley Roberts] who is dancing with Pasha [Kovalev] who is terrific.
"As a judge you have to mark her as the best. However, as a viewer you might say, 'I want someone who can't dance who has has a struggled and overcome and got to a decent standard', and I understand that, and I think that's what's happened to her."
Len suggested that viewers judge with their "hearts" as opposed to the judges critiquing with their "brains", and that the public may back Joe for the glitterball trophy because of his lack of dance experience.
"As a judge on it you have to just judge the dancing with your brain, when you're a viewer you can judge with your heart, and if you feel sorry for someone or if you think the judges have been bullies, you can come to their rescue," Len continued.
"I think Ashley can already dance quite a bit... If you go to stage school you may not be learning the waltz, but you do learn about movement and coordination and rhythm and timing, which will help in any form of dance. Any experience is good.
"Joe is the probably - out of the four that is left - is probably the worst one, I don't know for sure... But I think people admire him. Some of them have climbed hills, he's probably climbed mountains.
"Anyway we'll see. It's so exciting!"
The 74-year-old judge disclosed that he will be watching the final over the top of his newspaper along with his wife, and that he doesn't envy the judges because of the high standard this year.
But he revealed that he's no longer in touch with the judging panel, saying: "No, [I'm not in touch with the judges,], I'm a geezer!
"No, I don't meet up with them. I met up with Bruno because we were judges on the American version [Dancing with the Stars] but Craig lives in the wilds somewhere and Darcy has a family. And I'd rather be with my family. I'd rather be with my grandchildren. I'm just enjoying myself."
He went on to give Shirley Ballas - who took over from him as head judge in 2017 - the thumbs up, and praised her for being "true to herself".
"If you take over from someone, you're always compared to them, to a degree, and I think she's done very well," he opined. "She's been true to herself, she's not trying to be what she's not, and I think she's done a very good job."
Len is ambassador for Age UK, a charity close to his heart, and performed a reading at Age UK's annual Love Christmas carol concert at St Paul's Cathedral last night (December 11).
"Loneliness is such a devastating experience and Age UK is doing everything it can to help combat this huge problem," Len explained.
"Age UK’s Love Christmas carol concert is a fantastic event. I loved seeing so many people join in to celebrate a wonderful time of year and help support Age UK at the same time.
"With the money raised they will be able to continue providing much-needed support for older people facing later life alone."
The Age UK Advice is a free service, open 365 days a year offering essential support on a wide range of issues. Call for free on 0800 169 65 65, open 8am to 7pm.
Strictly Come Dancing's final airs this weekend on BBC One.
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