Entertainment
Strictly Come Dancing 2021: Why is Craig Revel Horwood not on the show tonight?
We wish you better Craig! (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA)
Tonight, the stars of Strictly Come Dancing 2021 and their professional dance partners are taking part in Musicals Week.
The celebrities, which include the likes of AJ Odudu, John Whaite, Rose Ayling-Ellis and Tom Fletcher, will be performing their routines in front of judges Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke, as well as a special guest judge.
However, one person will be missing from the panel – the ever critical, fabulous Craig Revel Horwood.
While fans will undoubtedly miss his sardonic manner during the show, he is due to return.
So where is Craig and who is temporarily replacing him?
Why is Craig not on Strictly tonight?
Earlier this week, it was announced that Craig, 56, had tested positive for Covid-19.
Motsi will have a new neighbour on the panel tonight (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA)
A spokesperson for the show said in a statement that the judge was following the latest guidelines and is expected to return next week if he tests negative by that point.
‘Craig Revel Horwood has tested positive for Covid-19 and is now self-isolating following the latest government guidelines,’ they said.
‘While Craig will not be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this weekend, all being well he will return the following week.’
On Monday’s It Takes two, presenter Rylan Clark addressed the news, wishing Craig better.
‘Craig, we’re sending you all our love and we can’t wait to see you really soon,’ he said.
Craig is the third person to test positive for the virus in this series, following Loose Women’s Judi Love and McFly musician Tom.
Who is replacing Craig on the judging panel?
An extremely fitting appointment for Musicals Week, Craig is being temporarily replaced by none other by star of the stage and screen Cynthia Erivo.
The actor is going to play Elphaba in the Wicked movie (Picture: Matt Baron/REX/Shutterstock)
Following the announcement, the Oscar nominee said: ‘I’m so delighted to be joining the Strictly judging panel for Musicals Week. Musicals have a unique place in my heart, it’s such a special way of connecting all art and making it one.
More: Strictly Come Dancing
‘I’m excited to bring my experience to the show and I can’t wait to see what the couples have in store this weekend.’
The 34-year-old was recently cast as Elphaba in the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked, opposite Ariana Grande as Glinda.
Strictly Come Dancing returns tonight at 6.35pm on BBC One.
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