Strictly's Craig Revel Horwood leaves judging panel during finale for huge announcement
Strictly Come Dancing's Craig Revel Horwood had to leave the judging panel during the final of the BBC competition on Saturday night (December 14), as Claudia Winkleman made a big announcement. The show saw Chris McCausland, JB Gill, Tasha Ghouri and Sarah Hadland perform their last routines. JB, 38, and his professional partner Lauren Oakley started the evening with a Viennese Waltz that Craig couldn't fault, earning them four 10s from the judges. Shortly after, Claudia called Craig over to the studio for some news about the judge, who has been part of the show since its inception in 2004.
The presenter said: "This is weird but we've been waiting years for this. I'm going to need Craig up here. Craig, can you come up?" The 59-year-old quickly left his fellow judges to join Claudia and the dancers in the studio. Claudia said: "Craigy. It has taken 20 years. It's taken 22 series. Guess what's just happened?" Craig responded: "I have no clue." The TV host revealed: "You have just given your 100th 10." This comes after Craig couldn't contain his excitement about the lineup of finalists ahead of tonight's show, calling each and every one of them "worthy winners" and is buzzing at the thought of a final that promises to be "so rewarding".
Craig was full of praise for Chris, while also commending Tasha as an "exceptional dancer" and applauding Sarah's "amazing" presence on the show, reports the Mirror. He also noted how JB has really come into his own throughout the competition, now "delighting absolutely everyone" with his performances.
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Head judge Shirley Ballas hailed the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing as "utterly remarkable", expressing her delight at having a front-row seat to the action. "The cast have been truly wonderful and the dancing has been off the chart" she gushed, adding, "I've loved being with my fellow judges and getting involved in the fun. It's been a blast."
Motsi Mabuse, another member of the judging panel, described the series as "one of the most exciting ever" and felt that all the finalists brought "something so unique to the competition".
Reflecting on the unique bonds formed on the show, host Tess Daly praised the judges for their "fantastic contribution" saying: "I love them all for their uniquely different viewpoints."
Claudia couldn't contain her excitement about this year's show, sharing, "This feels like it's been an amazing year for Strictly. The cast are simply spectacular."
