“Dancing With The Stars” is nearing the end of Season 31, but some fans are already looking to Season 32. Last week during the semi-finals, head judge Len Goodman announced his retirement, revealing that he would be leaving the dance competition series following the season finale. Len’s fans and fellow judges gave him a standing ovation and offered major support after the former ballroom dance champ revealed that he was looking forward to spending more time with his family in the U.K.
With Goodman’s shocking retirement announcement, fans immediately began to speculate about who might replace him as a judge. While the show had a three-person judge’s panel for years, a replacement doesn’t have to be named and Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough can continue handing out critiques to contestants. However, Cheryl Burke is said to want the job.
According to The Sun, Burke has reportedly been contemplating leaving “Dancing With The Stars” all season, and following Goodman’s retirement news has been signaling that she wants to replace the head judge.
Will Cheryl Burke be named a judge for Dancing With The Stars Season 32?
“Cheryl has been dropping hints all season that this may be her final season on the show and she has made it abundantly clear now she wants to take Len’s spot and deserves that chance,” a source told the outlet. “In fairness, she and others feel it should be a natural progression for someone like her to be handed a promotion,” the insider continued. “Len’s departure effectively makes it an ultimatum. Everyone sees this as the producers’ time to ‘put up or shut up.'”
Cheryl Burke certainly has the resume to become a judge. In addition to appearing on 26 seasons of the series, she has also won the Mirror Ball Trophy back-to-back times in Seasons 2 and 3.
Who else could replace Len Goodman on DWTS?
Meanwhile, Derek’s sister, Julianne Hough, could also return the judge’s table to reprise her role on the panel. Fans might like to see the contrast between Derek and Julianne, as well as see a bit of sibling rivalry during “Dancing With The Stars” Season 32. In addition, former fan-favorite professional dancer, Maksim Chmerkovskiy might also be at the top of the list.
Related: see more Dancing With The Stars Season 32 news and updates
Maks would be a great replacement for Len as he would be a strict and straight-forward judge, much like his predecessor. Maks has also expressed his willingness and interest in being a permanent part of the judge’s panel in the past, and he has some experience. The dancer has served as a guest judge on the show and knows what it takes to win the Mirror Ball Trophy.
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Casey James 
Sofia Bassett