{"id":240331,"date":"2023-11-03T18:15:39","date_gmt":"2023-11-03T18:15:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lovemainstream.com\/?p=240331"},"modified":"2023-11-03T18:15:39","modified_gmt":"2023-11-03T18:15:39","slug":"bbc-strictlys-craig-revel-horwood-confirms-exit-plans-with-pro-favourite-to-replace-him","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lovemainstream.com\/tv-and-movies\/bbc-strictlys-craig-revel-horwood-confirms-exit-plans-with-pro-favourite-to-replace-him\/","title":{"rendered":"BBC Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood confirms exit plans – with pro favourite to replace him"},"content":{"rendered":"

BBC Strictly Come Dancing star Craig Revel Horwood has hinted at his replacement, suggesting a current pro might take over. <\/p>\n

The 58 year old dancer and choreographer, who has been a judge on the show since it started in 2004, revealed he plans to "hang up [his] shoes and enjoy life" when he turns 60 in January 2025.<\/p>\n

In an interview with Best magazine, he said: "I'm working hard while I can, especially as I love what I do. It keeps me on my toes, darlings! I'm now the same age as the late, great Len Goodman was when he first started – that's scary, isn't it?!"<\/p>\n

He also added: "The reason I look forward to it every year is because the cast changes. I think that's what's fun about it, it doesn't age. And this year's line-up is fab-u-lous!" <\/p>\n


\n<\/p>\n

With Craig planning to leave, rumoured replacements for the star include Giovanni Pernice, who's journey on the competition was cut short during this series after his dance partner Amanda Abbington abruptly quit the show. <\/p>\n

Former Strictly pro Joanne Clifton tipped Giovanni as the one to take over from Craig, citing his close bond with Anton Du Beke.<\/p>\n

On behalf of Betway, Joanne said: "Many of us would like to have a go at judging. I completely get why Anton wanted to. I can see Giovanni Pernice going for it in a couple of years' time. He could definitely be a type of Bruno Tonioli on the panel as he and Anton have their show together. He has a great personality." <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Other celebs rumoured to join Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke on the panel are Kevin Clifton and Stacey Dooley, who first met when they were partnered on Strictly in 2018. A survey by Betfair Casino revealed that 14 percent of people would love to see former Strictly star Kevin, 41, swap the dance floor for the judging panel. Trailing behind Kevin is his girlfriend Stacey, 36, who won the series five years ago.<\/p>\n

Another potential addition to the judging panel is dancer Cynthia Erivo, who has been given odds of 3\/1 by Labrokes. This wouldn't be the 36 year old's first time on the show, as she replaced Craig back in 2021 after he tested positive for Covid-19.<\/p>\n

The Oscar-nominee was a hit with fans and even stepped in for a second time that same month after Motsi Mabuse had to miss the show due to being in close contact with someone who tested positive for Covid-19. Craig later praised his replacement, admitting he thought she was "brilliant".<\/p>\n


\n<\/p>\n

Fleur East is another name that has been thrown into the mix. The singer found fame when she appeared on X Factor in 2014, finishing in second place behind Ben Haenow.<\/p>\n

The 36 year old is no stranger to the world of Strictly, making it all the way to the final last year alongside Vito Coppola. She now presents on It Takes Two, meaning there is every chance she could hop onto the judging panel in her next career move.<\/p>\n

Bard AI suggested Johannes Radebe as another dancer who could become a judge. He is a South African Latin Champion and a World Cup Finalist. He joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2019, and has quickly become one of the most popular dancers on the show.<\/p>\n

* This article was crafted with the help of an AI engine, which speeds up OK!'s editorial research and applies it to article templates created by journalists in our newsrooms. An OK! editor reviewed this content before it was published. You can report any errors to okletters@reachplc.com <\/b><\/p>\n<\/p>\n