Strictly Come Dancing's Craig Revel Horwood has revealed his delight on seeing Anton Du Beke back on the judging panel for the 2022 season. It comes after Bruno Tonioli confirmed on Thursday that he would be stepping down from the show after 18 years.
Bruno appeared on BBC's The One Show where he explained how he missed the show "so much", but unfortunately the travel situation was "unsustainable" and he couldn't "guarantee" he'd be there - as he also films Dancing With The Stars in the US at the same time. Speaking of Anton taking his place on the panel, he said: "Carry on, do me proud".
On Friday, the four confirmed Strictly judges - Motsi Mabuse, Craig Reveal Horwood, Anton Du Beke and head judge Shirley Ballas - appeared on BBC One's Morning Live. They spoke with hosts Gethin Jones and Sara Cox about their excitement for the new series this Autumn.
"I'm really looking forward to this year," Craig said: "Really looking forward to seeing who the Beeb get on there – and so much fun," the 57-year-old choreographer said: "It is great to have Anton with us again, darling. Love you. Love, love, love you."
Asked by host Sara Cox whether Anton would be “the sweet to Craig’s occasional sour”, Anton replied: “I am the delicate cheese to his slightly spicy pea, I think!". The 55-year-old added that how he was hoped some of the Covid-19 restrictions from previous seasons could be relaxed this year.
“What I hope we are able to do this year actually, talking about that, is I am hoping we can get rid of the screen," He continued: "Because we have had the screens up over the last couple of the years between the judges, and the judges slightly separated. I am hoping we can get a bit closer so we can have a bit more chat amongst ourselves”.
Gethin Jones joked how the Craig Revel Horwood had been on the show since "1927" hinting at him being one of the longest running judges on the panel - first appearing on the first series in 2004. Asked who he'd like to see on the dancefloor, Craig replied: "Simon Cowell, I think he'd be absolutely brilliant... he would be so much fun on it".
Morning Live airs weekdays on BBC One from 9.15am. You can watch the interview in full on the BBC iPlayer.
