Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood announces shock career change
Veteran Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has stepped away from the dancefloor and waltzed into the recording show to record a new music album due out later this year. He described the Revelations: Songs Boys Don't Sing album, due out on October 18, as "a perfect blend of drama, pathos, romance, and a touch of high camp".
Ahead of the album's launch, 59-year-old Craig is also releasing his debut solo single a dancefloor update of Dame Shirley Bassey's track This Is My Life, which he shared a clip of on his social media this week. Speaking about the new project, Craig said: "I am thrilled to announce the release of my debut album! It’s a momentous occasion for me, and I can’t wait to share the songs I’ve carefully chosen."
He continued: “Throughout my musical journey, I’ve had the privilege of performing as both a dancer and a singer in numerous musicals. However, this album holds a special place in my heart as I’ve had the opportunity to select songs that truly resonate with me.
“Each track on the album is traditionally associated with female singers, which presented a delightful challenge. I embraced this opportunity to record these songs, knowing that it might be my only chance to give them my own interpretation."
British-Australian Craig - the Strictly judge the audience loves to hate - shared a behind-the-scenes video on his Instagram page this week showing off his impressive singing voice. Fellow judge Shirley Ballas was one of the first people to comment on his post, writing: "Simply amazing congratulations", followed by a red heart emoji.
After wrapping this year's upcoming Strictly series, Craig will embark on a 53-date album tour of the UK, starting in Eastleigh on April 4, 2025, and finishing in Dunfermline, Scotland, on June 28. Tickets are available now from craigrevelhorwood.com.
Craig's career change announcement comes after the BBC show announced a shocking change to its professional line-up for this year's 20th anniversary series. Giovanni Pernice, who was last paired with actress Amanda Abbington, was noticeably absent from the list of returning professionals, putting an end to speculation about his future on the show.
It came after Sherlock and Mr Selfridge star Amanda left the 2023 series early, and later claimed she suffered PTSD from her time on the show. The BBC reportedly launched an internal investigation and Giovanni has strongly denied all claims of "abusive or threatening behaviour".
