Kevin Clifton is favourite to replace Craig Revel Horwood as Strictly Come Dancing judge

Kevin Clifton is the bookies' favourite to replace Craig
-Credit: (Image: (Image: Getty))


Grimsby's Kevin Clifton is the bookies' top pick to replace Craig Revel Horwood on the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel if he decides to leave the BBC series.

While no official announcement has been made, experts and bookmakers have been speculating about who might take over from Craig after he expressed a desire to retire at 60. A survey by Betway suggests that Kevin Clifton is the favourite with odds of 7/4 to join Shirley Ballas, Anton du Beke, and Motsi Mabuse on the panel, reports the Express.

Louis Spence is hot on his heels with odds of 3/1, followed by Diversity's Ashley Banjo at 5/1. Other potential replacements include Strictly professionals Neil Jones, Cynthia Erivo, and AJ Pritchard. Rylan Clark and Stacey Dooley are also in the running according to bookmakers.

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Chad Yeomans, spokesperson for Betway, said: "Craig Revel Horwood recently admitted that his dancing days are over but vowed he won't be retiring anytime soon."

He added: "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!"

He wouldn't be the first former Strictly dancer to join the judging panel - Anton du Beke has been sitting alongside Craig, Shirley, and Motsi for the past three years.

In a candid 2023 interview, Craig, a show judge since its 2004 inception, confessed he's considering retirement. He said he "wants to enjoy life" as he approaches his 60th birthday.

Craig Revel Horwood admitted he wants to retire at 60
Craig Revel Horwood admitted he wants to retire at 60 -Credit:(Image: BBC)

Speaking about hanging up his judging paddle, Craig divulged: "I'm working hard while I can, especially as I love what I do. It keeps me on my toes, darlings! ".

Reflecting on his age, he remarked: "I'm now the same age as the late, great Len Goodman was when he first started - that's scary, isn't it? ! ".

In his conversation with Best Magazine, he expressed his enthusiasm for the show: "The reason I look forward to it every year is because the cast changes."

He enthused about the current series: "I think that's what's fun about it, it doesn't age. And this year's line-up is fab-u-lous! ".

Kevin won Strictly in 2018 when he was partnered with Stacey Dooley. The pair became a couple and now have a daughter, Minnie.

He reached the final four other times in his seven years with a celebrity partner - with Susanna Reid, Frankie Bridge, Kellie Bright and Louise Redknapp.