Craig Revel Horwood has praised this year's Strictly Come Dancing final as one of the “most amazing” ever as fans continued to speculate about the reason why he collapsed during the show.
The 58-year-old judge, who has been on the panel since its debut in 2004, held back tears as he complimented eventual winner Ellie Leach during Saturday's live show.
And then he 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!”
“Thank you Strictly for being so amazing and keeping us all entertained throughout the Christmas period.”
Craig Revel Horwood has praised this year's Strictly Come Dancing final as one of the “most amazing” ever as fans continued to speculate about the reason why he collapsed during the show
The 58-year-old judge, who has been on the panel since its debut in 2004, held back tears as he complimented eventual winner Ellie Leach during Saturday's live show (Ellie and Vito pictured).
And then he took to social media to gush about the final and Strictly itself, before wishing his followers a Merry Christmas
“Merry Christmas everyone. I wish you a wonderful holiday season and may the New Year bring you many incredible memories and adventures!'
This came after viewers were convinced they had discovered the real reason behind Craig's unexpected tears on Saturday's 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.
On
While a second said: “Why did I get goodbye vibes from Craig tonight? “He's not going away, is he?”.
This came after viewers were convinced they had discovered the real reason behind Craig's unexpected tears on Saturday's show
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
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
And a third suggested: “I feel like Craig might leave or something.” I hope he doesn't.
Someone else mused: “I wonder if Craig is thinking about leaving Strictly Come Dancing given his emotions and his comment 'Thinking about how far the show has come' after Ellie's show dance.”
While another fan said: “The way Craig got all emotional thinking back to season 1 of Strictly Come Dancing makes me wonder, is this his last season?” He's mentioned it a few times this year and I'm worried about him leaving…”
Despite the hiccups, Ellie and Vito were crowned this year's winners after the brilliant live finale.
At 22, she became the show's youngest ever winner when she edged out Bobby Brazier and Layton Williams after each couple performed three dances for the judges.
Ellie and Vito, who are rumored to be a couple, were both stunned when their names were announced and the soap star's family broke down in tears as they watched from the studio audience.
Despite the hiccups, Ellie and Vito were crowned this year's winners after the glittering live finale, beating off competition from Bobby Brazier and Layton Williams
Ellie and Vito, who are rumored to be a couple, were stunned when their names were announced and the actress' family broke down in tears as they watched from the audience
The overwhelmed duo held back tears as they hugged each other before speaking to presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
“I really can't believe this,” a stunned Ellie murmured, before exclaiming that this was the first time she had seen 31-year-old Vito cry.
'This is for you!' Ellie told her partner, who said the win was just the icing on the cake before branding her a “diamond”.
They lifted the glitterball trophy as pyrotechnics sparked and confetti fell from the ceiling as they were lifted onto the shoulders of their former competitors.