Craig Revel Horwood’s future ‘coming to end’ after making vow, but Strictly might go first
EXCLUSIVE: Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has been a judge on the BBC dance competition since the show's inception in 2004.
Craig Revel Horwood confirms he's not leaving Strictly
Strictly Come Dancing has undoubtedly had a challenging year, but BBC bosses have confirmed that the new series will go ahead next month. All four judges are set to return, including Craig Revel Horwood who has been on the show since 2004.
Despite reports circulating that this would be Craig's last year, the Australian-British dancer strongly denied suggestions that he would be stepping down from the judging panel.
However, Craig's stint on Strictly is gradually "coming to an end," according to an expert. Speaking exclusively to Express Online, Jack Proverbs, Senior PR Executive at PR by Whitney Williams, had his say on Craig's future.
"Craig has already confirmed that once he’s 60, he’ll “hang up his shoes and enjoy life”. Considering he’s 58, it seems his future at Strictly may be coming to a sudden end," he said.
"I believe this won’t be his final year but it’s more than likely next year will be his last. However, there’s the chance the show may not even make it to 2025 if this year has its own fair share of scandals and disasters."
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He added: "This may be Strictly’s most important year in determining its future on TV."
The hit BBC series is currently engulfed in ongoing drama as a decision looms over Giovanni Pernice's alleged misconduct.
Amanda Abbington, 50, has levelled serious accusations of 'cruelty' and 'abuse' against the 33 year old Italian dancer, allegations he staunchly denies.
On top of this, it was announced last month that Graziano Di Prima would not be returning to Strictly over his behaviour to celebrity partner, Zara McDermott.
The Italian dancer admitted that he "kicked" his celebrity partner Zara during training rehearsals last year.
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Speaking to the BBC, Graziano's spokesman Mark Borkowski said: "There is never a time when kicking, or any sense of that is right. And he knows that. He knows he's made a mistake. He apologised at the time."
Graziano issued a statement on his shock departure, saying he "deeply regrets the events that led" to his exit. He claimed his "intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime".
Zara penned on Instagram: “I have wrestled with the fear of opening up – I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming. But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I’ve gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show.”
BBC bosses have now confirmed the full line-up for the 2024 series and the show is set to return next month.
