Rylan Clark-Neal has thrown his support behind new 'Strictly Come Dancing' judge Motsi Mabuse.

Rylan Clark-Neal

Rylan Clark-Neal

The 30-year-old presenter - who hosts spin off show 'It Takes Two' - has backed the incoming star as she prepares to join Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and Shirley Ballas on the panel following the departure of Dame Darcey Bussell.

Discussing the backlash over the decision to about pro dancer Oti Mabuse's sister, he told RadioTimes.com: "Darcey was a great judge but I mean we can go as far back as Bruno, Len [Goodman] and Arlene [Phillips].

"There was uproar when Arlene left, and there was uproar when Len left. Then Shirley came in and everyone thinks she's great. These things happen. People move on."

Rylan admitted he's hoping the new arrival can take over Craig's mantle as "the nasty judge" by channeling 'X Factor' and 'Britain's Got Talent' boss Simon Cowell's infamous edge.

He explained: "Craig's always the nasty judge, but pantomime nasty. I love Craig and that's why he works, but I would love a really nasty judge.

"Like Simon Cowell but even worse. Someone who would say, 'You were terrible. You should be ashamed of yourself.' "

Meanwhile, Motsi's appointment has gone down well with the 'Strictly' pro dancers, with Neil Jones hailing her as "one of the greatest female dancers" of a generation.

He wrote: "Congratulations to @MOTSI_MABUSE who has just been announced as the new judge on @bbcstrictly she is one the greatest female dancers of her time and I can't wait to welcome her to our Strictly family."