Yahoo News 'Strictly Come Dancing' judges will dance with contestants in shocking twist revealed by Craig Revel Horwood
Viewers are more accustomed to seeing them sat down and dishing out words of wisdom, but this year’s Strictly Come Dancing judges will be leaving the safety of the desk to show off their own moves.
The twist, revealed by Craig Revel Horwood on This Morning, will see the likes of Bruno Tonioli and Shirley Ballas show off their best ballroom flair.
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Horwood said the format change has been introduced to take a leaf out of spin-off shows in the USA and Australia, in which judges dance with the contestants.
The 54-year-old is also a judge on Dancing With the Stars Australia and, this year, he danced with drag queen Courtney Act.
He said the new format will be “very interesting” for Strictly fans.
“They’re taking a leaf out of Australia’s book, and of course Dancing with the Stars in America,” said Horwood.
He added: “The judges will be dancing. I don’t know that Shirley Ballas knows that yet, but she will.
“We’ll dance with the contestants. You put yourself on the line, so to speak.”
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The judge, who has been part of Strictly Come Dancing since its launch in 2004, said he “absolutely loved” dancing with Courtney Act, who was runner-up to actor Samuel Johnson on the Australian series this year.
Horwood said: “I danced with Courtney Act, which was absolutely fantastic. It was brilliant to come into the room to choreograph and to actually create an entire scenario and star in it yourself.
“And then be judged, that’s sort of the big thing. And I’m up, as most people know, for absolutely anything.”
During his This Morning appearance, Horwood also revealed he was “shocked” when he learned Dame Darcey Bussell would not return to the judging panel, but kept tight-lipped when asked about her replacement.
Read more: Horwood reveals his pick for judging spot
He said: “They haven’t told me, but they have told me that it is someone that can actually dance. So that’s good. And also, it needs to be someone opinionated.
“I love Anton du Beke, he would be great. Any of the ex-dancers would be fantastic, but I don’t know is the honest truth.
“They won’t tell me because my gob’s too big.”
Strictly Come Dancing will return for its 17th series later this year and This Morning airs on weekdays and Sundays from 10:30am on ITV.
