IT IS the news Strictly fans have been waiting for – a new head judge will replace Len Goodman on the hit TV show.

But it is not dancer Anton du Beke, nor It Takes Two star Karen Hardy, who had been rumoured to take over – instead, international ballroom champion Shirley Ballas will fill the chair when the show returns in the autumn.

The 56-year-old – nicknamed the Queen of Latin - is not particularly well known to UK audiences, but she has been seen frequently on Strictly’s US counterpart, Dancing with the Stars.

Her son Mark appeared on the show for 10 years, and Shirley gave masterclasses and commentary throughout the series.

Shirley said: “I am so excited and over the moon to have been given this wonderful opportunity.

“I can't wait to get in to the ballroom and be part of the incredible and respected judging panel. Strictly is so loved by the British public, I have always been a massive fan.”

Shirley is one of the top and most decorated professional dancers in the world.

She is three-time British Open to the World Latin American Champion, 10-time United States Latin American Champion, and multiple-times British National Champion.

Originally from Wallasey in the Wirral, she began dancing at the age of seven and won her first major Latin championship at 18.

By 23, she won all major titles worldwide with her partner Sammy Stopford.

She moved to Houston, Texas, in 1983 and began to compete with new partner and husband, Corky, but moved back to the UK seven years later.

Shirley will take over from Len Goodman, who announced last year he was stepping down at the end of the 14th series, as Head Judge and will have the casting vote in the dance-off.

Her fellow judges have welcomed her to the panel.

Darcey Bussell said: “I look forward to meeting Shirley and welcoming her to our Strictly team. Her years of experience in ballroom and Latin dancing are impressive and I’m sure she will be a great addition to our judging panel.”

Craig Revel Horwood added: “Fantastic news that Shirley will be joining me and the other judges on the panel. I look forward to working with her on the next series of Strictly.”

Bruno Tonioli agreed. "I know Shirley well - she is an incredible Latin dancer and trainer and I am sure she will be a great addition to the team,” he said.

Louise Rainbow, Executive Producer of Strictly said the calibre of applicants for the role had been ‘exceptional’ and admitted Len’s shoes would be difficult to fill.

She said: “With Shirley’s wealth of experience as a world champion dancer, teacher and judge, she is the perfect fit for Strictly.”