Strictly Come Dancing bosses have chosen a replacement for Darcey Bussell.
In April, ballet dancer Darcey made the shock announcement that she was leaving Strictly Come Dancing after seven years.
Appearing on ITV’s This Morning Craig Revel Horwood confessed he was “shocked” when he heard the news.
He said: “I had an inkling but there was only a slight suggestion on the tour but nothing more and I never thought that would actually happen because she’s one of my best mates and I love sitting next to her, I love the fact she was whacking people with paddles.”
He went on to confirm a replacement has been chosen – but he had yet to be informed of their name.
“They did say it’s someone who can actually dance, so that’s good,” Craig added, “Also it needs to be someone opinionated.”
Asked if pro dancer Anton Du Beke could be the mystery new judge, Craig insisted: “I don’t know. I love Anton, he would be great.
“Any of the ex dancers would be fantastic but I don’t know is the honest truth. They won’t tell me because my gob’s too big.”
It Takes Two host Zoe Ball recently suggested that Anton would NOT be getting the job.
In an interview with The Sun, she shared: “But I have heard there is talk the new judge will be a woman.
“They might pull someone out of the bag that we haven’t even thought of. I loved Darcey. She is one classy lady but also naughty and fun, so a hard act to follow.
“It was a total shock, but sometimes a change can be a good thing and it’s good to go out on top.”
Alongside Craig, head judge Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli currently make up the Strictly Come Dancing panel.
Strictly airs on BBC One.
The new series is expected to launch in September.
This year will see Zoe Ball joined by Rylan Clark-Neal on It Take Two hosting duties due to her new Radio 2 commitments.
