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Craig Revel Horwood reveals big change to Strictly as he teases Darcey Bussell’s replacement

The new series will return later this year

Craig Revel Horwood has revealed there will be a major change to this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

The judge said that all the judges will be required to dance with the contestants and be scored by their peers one week.

The idea comes from Dancing with the Stars in the US and Australia – the latter on which Craig has acted as a judge.

Craig revealed all the judges will be required to dance with the contestants (Credit: ITV)

Read more: Joe Sugg reveals how he knew he loved Strictly dancer Dianne Buswell

He said during today’s This Morning: “This year is going to be very interesting, they’re taking a leaf out of the Australian version, Dancing with the Stars, the judges will be dancing.

“We’ll be dancing with the contestants. I did it in Australia, I did it with Courtney Act and I loved it, being able to choreograph a routine and then be judged.

“It was such great fun. As everyone knows I’m up for absolutely anything.”

Meanwhile, Craig said he’s been told the new Strictly judge is “someone that can actually dance” – but he doesn’t know their identity.

Craig said he’s been told the new Strictly judge is “someone that can actually dance” (Credit: ITV)

The 54-year-old star was left “shocked” when he found out that Dame Darcey Bussell was quitting the BBC ballroom competition and admits he will miss his pal on the judging panel.

Craig has been given a clue as to who will be joining him and fellow judges Bruno Tonioli and Shirley Ballas on the next series but bosses won’t share the person’s identity to him as he can’t be trusted to keep a secret.

He said: “They did say it’s someone that can actually dance, it’s got to be someone opinionated.”

When co-host and former Strictly contestant Ruth Langsford asked if her former professional partner Anton du Beke could be in the frame, Craig replied: “Anton would be great, any of the ex-dancers would be great.

craig revel horwood strictly
Craig said bosses won’t share Darcey’s replacement’s identity to him as he can’t be trusted to keep a secret (Credit: BBC)

“But they won’t tell me, apparently I can’t be trusted!”

Speaking about how much he will miss sitting next to Darcey, 50, on the show, he added: “I was shocked, because I didn’t know that was going to happen. I had an inkling from the tour. She’s one of my best mates.”

Although Craig was happy to back Strictly stalwart Anton to be a judge he thinks former pro James Jordan has no chance of making a comeback on the panel, as opposed to the ballroom floor.

Craig spilled details about Darcey’s replacement (Credit: BBC)

Read more: Strictly judges set to ‘help choose Darcey Bussell’s replacement’

When This Morning co-host Eamonn Holmes enquired as to whether James – who had a number rows on the series before quitting in 2013 – could be in the running, Craig witheringly replied: “That’s unlikely, darling!”

When it was put to Craig by Eamonn – who is married to Ruth – that James may be more entertaining than him, the long-time judge simply shook his head.

Who do you think should replace Darcey as Strictly judge? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix!

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