Len Goodman Leaving ‘DWTS’: Will Maks Chmerkovskiy Be His Replacement?

Len Goodman might be leaving Dancing with the Stars and he broke the news himself during the Season 18 finale Tuesday night. The ballroom judge suggested that he might not return for another season but he didn’t confirm the news one way or another. According to Parade, however, Len is seriously thinking about his future on the popular ABC show.

On the finale the judge said:

“Season 18 has been like a novel, full of twists and turns, and we’ve come here to the last page and we’re sure not sure how the story will end. For one, it’ll be a happy ending, and I’m not saying this is true, but this might be my last season, and if it is I couldn’t wish for a better dance to finish up with. You are great.”

Of course Len Goodman is considered a staple on the show and his critiques are usually spot on. He may get booed from time to time and some people think he is cranky, but for true Dancing with the Stars fans, Len is really a huge part of the show. His relationships with his fellow judges (Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba) and with the dance pros are strong and everyone seems to value his opinions, which makes him the perfect kind of person to have on the judge’s panel.

Goodman, 70, also judges another dance competition in the UK called Strictly Come Dancing. The amount of travel that he is forced to do might be taking a toll on him and this might be why he’s thinking of leaving DWTS. While you might think that Len would consider leaving his UK gig to stay on as a judge on DWTS, you’d probably be wrong based on a recent interview that he gave.

Last November Len said:

“Sitting on the plane is boring, it’s just sitting there for 11 hours. I would never retire from the BBC or Strictly by choice. If I got ill and couldn’t go on it, of course I would have to retire – but I’d have to be pretty ill. They will have to drag me kicking and screaming.”

According to WetPaint, Len Goodman might already have a replacement. Maks Chmerkovskiy was recently asked if he would accept a position as a judge on the show — to replace Len — and he said “yeah.” So could this be a potential cast shake-up? It sure sounds like it. Sources say that Maks is also thinking of leaving DWTS after winning the Mirror Ball this season. Evidently he wants to go out while he’s on top.

As previously reported by Inquisitr.com, Maks struck dancing gold with his partner Meryl Davis. The two shared an incredible bond and were able to take home the ultimate prize. Moreover, they seem to have found something really special and while they haven’t confirmed whether or not they are dating, everyone seems to think that these two are in love.

Do you think Len and/or Maks will leave Dancing with the Stars? Would you be sad to see either of them go?

[Photo courtesy ABC/Adam Taylor]