'Dancing with the Stars' Season 31: Will Shirley Ballas replace Len Goodman on 'DWTS'?

After Len Goodman announced his retirement to spend time with his family, it was reported that 'Strictly Come Dancing' judge Shirley Ballas will replace him
After 'DWTS' Season 31 judge Len Goodman retires, Shirley Ballas of 'Strictly Come Dancing' will replace him (shirleyballas/Instagram; officialdwts/Twitter)
After 'DWTS' Season 31 judge Len Goodman retires, Shirley Ballas of 'Strictly Come Dancing' will replace him (shirleyballas/Instagram; officialdwts/Twitter)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Dancing with the Stars' Season 31 is coming to an end. This season had some happy and heart-wrenching moments. In the semifinal episode, Whitney Carson announced her pregnancy while Len Goodman stated he was retiring from 'DWTS.' 

Len, 78, said, "This would be my last season." He said that he would move back to Britain to spend time with his "grandchildren and family." Ever since he announced his retirement, 'DWTS' fans have been wondering who will take his place on the show. It seems that 'Strictly Come Dancing' head judge Shirley Ballas is reportedly slated to replace him.

RELATED ARTICLES

When will 'Dancing with the Stars' Season 31 Finale air? Week 10 to crown most deserving of 4 finalists

What is Cheryl Burke's net worth? 'DWTS' pro dancer will now be shifting gears in her career



 

Who will replace Len Goodman's place in 'Dancing with the Stars'?

The Sun reported that Ballas was slated to replace Goodman on the Disney+ show. A source claimed, "Len’s exit leaves a big hole in the panel, but the show team feels Shirley would be a really great addition." Furthermore, the source revealed that Ballas will not give up her 'Strictly Come Dancing' job. According to reports, She will reportedly "hold both her Strictly Come Dancing job and a new role on Dancing with the Stars - as Goodman did for years." The source added, "Her experience is unrivaled and she has made no secret of the fact she’d love to spend more time with her son Mark, who is based in the US with wife Brittany." 

Ballas faced criticism on 'Strictly.' Some fans even commented on her physical appearance. Daily Mail reported that the judge was set to "take a break" from the limelight. However, she would not leave the show and continue to be a part of BBC. Ballas recently wrote about Goodman on social media. The post read, "Thank you for all you have done for the dance industry, on and off screen. Your legacy in the ballroom will forever remain. Take your well earned rest to spend time with your beautiful family. No one deserves it more than you. A true dancing legend."



 

Goodman has been a part of 'DWTS' since 2005, for 20 seasons. The show's official handle shared his photos from the show with the caption, "Our memories with Len will always be a 10! Don't miss his last episode at the judges' table tomorrow during the #DWTSFinale at 8ET/5PT on @DisneyPlus." Goodman has been in the profession of dancing since he was 19 and became a professional in his early 20s. He will make his final appearance on the show on Monday, November 21.

'Dancing with the Stars' Season 31 finale is scheduled to air on Monday, November 21, at 8 pm ET on Disney+.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Sean Reagan’s past shapes a rescue in ‘Boston Blue’ Season 2 Episode 6 as Mika Amonsen discusses continuing the character’s ‘Blue Bloods’ story.
2026-11-14T19:02:59.000Z
Left Bank Pictures has responded to a tragic incident at the Edinburgh studio used for ‘Dept. Q’ as police inquiries into the circumstances continue.
2026-11-14T15:25:47.000Z
A fan-favorite ‘Matlock’ star shares a behind-the-scenes update as the CBS drama prepares for its Season 3 return.
2026-11-14T14:08:57.000Z
‘Gilmore Girls’ documentary ‘Drink Coffee, Talk Fast’ brings back familiar cast members, including Jared Padalecki and Scott Pattersonts
2026-11-14T10:08:21.000Z
'CSI' veteran Marg Helgenberger was once one of the highest-paid small-screen actresses
2026-11-14T09:17:43.000Z
Dexter sets his sights on the Jaw Splitter in Season 2, Episode 3, while a fan theory links the mysterious killer to actor Jack Dylan Grazer.
2026-11-14T07:37:35.000Z
‘Law & Order: SVU’ showrunner Michele Fazekas addresses Benson and Stabler’s future after their emotional reunion in the milestone 600th episode
2026-11-14T07:25:13.000Z
‘Station 19’ alum Jay Hayden joins ‘Fire Country’ Season 5 as Mason Ellis, whose return to Edgewater sparks a new conflict between Bode and Jake
2026-11-14T06:34:18.000Z
CBS brings ‘Marshals’ and ‘Tracker’ back to its Sunday lineup on November 15 with new episodes following a one-week break for ‘Cupertino.’
2026-11-14T05:54:18.000Z
Boone and Mickey's relationship gets complicated with Emmy's arrival in 'Sheriff Country'
2026-11-14T04:43:33.000Z