EXCLUSIVE: A Strictly Come Dancing professional has been tipped to replace a judge on the BBC show, should they decide to step down from the role
Kevin Clifton has emerged as the bookies’ favourite to replace Craig Revel Horwood on Strictly Come Dancing should the judge decide to step down, according to online bookmaker Betway.
Whilst Craig hasn’t recently hinted at departing the programme, he has previously confessed to having retirement plans upon reaching his 60th birthday.
The judge has remained a pillar of the ballroom for more than twenty years, but with speculation growing that he might be putting down his scoring paddle permanently, Kevin is leading the odds as the most probable successor.
Kevin isn’t the sole former professional in contention, with Erin Boag and AJ Pritchard both listed at 10/1 to join the judging panel.
Mike Reading, spokesperson at Betway, commented: “Craig Revel Horwood’s famously sharp critiques have kept celebrities on their toes for years and made him a fan favourite on Strictly Come Dancing for nearly two decades.
“If he takes his final bow this series, it’ll leave some big shoes to fill on the judging panel,” reports Wales Online.
“Kevin Clifton is currently waltzing ahead as the frontrunner at 4/1 thanks to his glitterball-winning credentials.
“But with his partner, 2018 Strictly champion Stacey Dooley, is also in the running at 9/1, so we could see the famous couple go toe to toe for the coveted judging chair!”
He continued, “Ashley Banjo (5/1) and Oti Mabuse (7/1) could leap from ice to ballroom after the end of Dancing on Ice, while Rylan Clark and Cynthia Ervio are the longshots at 25/1 due to their jam-packed schedules.”
Craig revealed his retirement plans in a 2023 interview, sharing that he’s keen to savour life once he hits 60.
Craig 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?
“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!”
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturday at 6.20pm on BBC One.
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