Healey: Bussell's Strictly perfect

Darcey Bussell was the ideal choice for the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel, according to last year's runner-up Chelsee Healey.

The ballet star, 43, who had a role in the BBC One show in 2009, replaces singer Alesha Dixon on the new series.

And Chelsee, who lost out on the mirrorball trophy to McFly's Harry Judd, said: "I think she's such an amazing ballet dancer, they couldn't have got a better judge.

"I think she's perfect for the role, she knows her stuff, she'll be fantastic."

The Waterloo Road actress also predicted great things from Olympians Victoria Pendleton and Louis Smith, who will compete in this year's show.

"I think they're going to do amazing, obviously they've got great stamina and to do Strictly you need to have good stamina to get through the dances," she added.

Chelsee - who said her life has changed "a lot" since competing on the dance contest - revealed she is now on the hunt for a gritty TV or film role.

She said: "I'd love to do a British gangster movie. Or an action-packed film. Or a deep drama that I can get my teeth into. I really loved (BBC One's) The Accused, that is an amazing British drama, something like that would be fantastic."