Craig Revel Horwood has confirmed his future on Strictly Come Dancing after fears he would quit the hit BBC show.
Craig, 58, has been a judge on the celebrity dancing competition since its launch in 2004, but fans began to speculate he would quit the Strictly judging panel.
After Craig burst into tears during the grand finale, fans claimed his emotional appearance on the show was an indication he was preparing to retire.
However, Craig has now firmly dismissed any speculation as he insisted he will return to the judging panel for the 2024 series next autumn.
During Friday's This Morning, he addressed the rumors while chatting to Kate Lawler about his pantomime performance as the evil stepmother in Cinderella.
Craig Revel Horwood has confirmed his future on Strictly Come Dancing after fears he would quit the hit BBC show
As he prepared to go on stage, Kate asked him: “Will we see you on Strictly next year?” To which Craig ended any speculation when he replied: “Yes, you are!” I'm definitely coming again. Don't believe any of these malicious rumors, no.'
However, he went on to admit that viewers might not see him mastering a move in a group judge's routine next year after he hits the dance floor on this series.
He said, “Maybe I'll just hang up my dancing shoes on stage and walk that way, but that's all.”
Kate then told viewers: “We have confirmation!” “He's on Strictly next year,” as Craig enthusiastically punched the air.
Fans speculated about why he unexpectedly burst into tears during the finale, claiming it was a sign that he was leaving the show.
During the highly anticipated final, Craig held back tears as he complimented eventual winner Ellie Leach.
He then took to social media to gush about the final and Strictly itself, before wishing his followers a Merry Christmas.
Craig wrote: “One of the greatest finals I've had the pleasure of seeing tonight!”
Craig, 58, has been a judge on the celebrity dancing competition since its launch in 2004, but fans began to speculate he would quit the Strictly judging panel
However, Craig has now firmly denied the rumors and insisted he will return to the judging panel for the 2024 series next autumn
“Thank you Strictly for being so amazing and keeping us all entertained throughout the Christmas period.”
“Merry Christmas everyone. I wish you a wonderful holiday season and may the New Year bring you many incredible memories and adventures!'
When he burst into tears on the show, several fans claimed his emotions were an indication that he was preparing to leave the show after recalling the very first series in his review.
The choreographer struggled to keep track after Corrie star Ellie, 22, made mistakes during her second dance and slipped off his partner Vito Coppola's shoulders during a tricky lift.
“Craig comforted her and said, 'I'm so glad you took a risk.' And I actually think back to the first season and imagine Natasha Kaplinksy doing that and how far this program has come.”
With tears in his eyes, he added: “You're amazing,” prompting fellow judge Motsi Mabuse to place a hand on his shoulder.
However, he went on to admit that viewers might not see him perform in the group judge routine next year, as he said he might hang up his dancing shoes
Fans speculated about why he unexpectedly burst into tears in the finale, claiming it was a sign that he was leaving the show
Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola were crowned this year's winners after the brilliant live finale, defeating Bobby Brazier and Layton Williams
On X, formerly known as Twitter, someone asked, “Does anyone feel like this is Craig's last night as a judge?”
While a second said: 'Why did I get goodbye vibes from Craig tonight?' He's not going away, is he?'
And a third suggested: “I feel like Craig might leave or something. 'I hope he doesn't.'
Despite the hiccups, Ellie and Vito were crowned this year's winners after the glittering live finale, defeating Bobby Brazier and Layton Williams.