Entertainment
Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood calls for five judges in huge show shake-up: ‘We would make it count’
Could we really handle five judges? (Picture: BBC/Getty)
Craig Revel Horwood is already planning ahead for next year’s Strictly Come Dancing, and one of his ideas include a five-piece judging panel.
The 56-year-old performer, who is known for his notorious Mr Nasty persona on the hit BBC show, has been part of the Strictly family since it aired in 2004.
Fans are used to seeing four professionals critiquing the celebrities every year, however, the star revealed he would love to deviate from tradition by having former judge Bruno Tonioli back on the programme along with Anton Du Beke.
The Italian choreographer, 66, was ruled out of this year’s series due to Covid-19 restrictions, however fans were delighted to hear that the long-serving professional, 55, would be stepping in as his replacement.
Speaking to MailOnline, Craig said: ‘Bruno adds something Anton can’t and vice-versa, if you look at it that way, so I think they’ve both got different opinions which I think is perfectly good.
‘We could easily have five people on that panel. I think our time would be limited because there are only two minutes for the judges to talk but we would make it count.’
Similarly to Craig, Anton has been on Strictly since its 2004 launch (Picture: BBC)
The original four-piece included Dame Arlene Phillips and Len Goodman (Picture: BBC)
Craig missed this year’s musical-themed special, after testing positive for coronavirus, which also marked the first show he’s missed in 17 years.
Now, he’s back on top form, and has even predicted which stars will make it to the 2021 final.
The theatre director tipped John Whaite and his partner Johannes Radebe, alongside soap star Rose Ayling-Ellis and partner Giovanni Pernice, and presenter AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington.
‘If I was choosing, that’s who it would be,’ he told Hello! magazine.
More: Strictly Come Dancing
The star is also making a bid for Christmas number one this year after teaming up with his friend Rietta Austin for their single It’s Christmas, Merry Christmas
It’s Christmas, Merry Christmas! will premiere on Zoe Ball’s BBC Radio 2 show on December 2, with a music video dropping the same day.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday at 6.40pm on BBC One.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
