Kevin Clifton 'favourite' to replace Strictly Come Dancing judge amid retirement talk
Strictly Come Dancing star Kevin Clifton has been tipped as the ‘favourite’ to join the Strictly judging panel, bookies have said, after speculation that one current judging legend may be set to step down soon.
It comes after Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood, who has been a stalwart of the judging panel since the hit BBC show’s inception in 2004, hinted that he may soon be leaving the glitter ball behind and retire from his judging seat as he approaches his 60th birthday in a few months.
With the comments swirling, bookmakers have issued the odds on who they think is most likely to fill Craig’s shiny shoes should he leave… and pro dancer Kevin, 41, has topped the list to join the panel of Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke.
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A recent survey by bookmakers Betway found that Kevin leads the list of likely new judges, with odds of 7/1. Pineapple Dance Studios star Louis Spence came in close behind him in second place on the survey, with odds of 3/1, and Diversity's Ashley Banjo came in third with odds of 5/1.
Strictly professionals Neil Jones and AJ Pritchard, as well as actress and singer Cynthia Erivo, who has appeared as a guest judge, Rylan Clark and Stacey Dooley were also included in the list, according to the Express.
A spokesperson at Betway, Chad Yeomans, commented: “Craig Revel Horwood recently admitted that his dancing days are over but vowed he won’t be retiring anytime soon.”
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However, the Strictly judge, who has been on the show since day one, will turn 60 next January, and if reaching that milestone causes a change of heart, we make former Strictly star Kevin Clifton the favourite to replace him!”
Kevin wouldn’t be the first dancer to cross over to behind the judging panel, of course: Anton Du Beke made the move and has been a judge for the past three seasons, having been a dancer since the very beginning of the show and the longest running pro.
Although nothing has been officially been announced, Craig has made it public that he may step away from the dance floor soon. The British-Australian ballroom judge previously revealed his plans to "hang up [his] shoes and enjoy life" when he turns 60 in January 2025.
In an interview with Best, he 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?!"
Until then, Craig can be seen on the new season of Strictly - where fans have been left shocked by his first appearance on the show.
