Craig Revel Horwood’s Strictly ‘replacement’ lined-up as judge addresses future

Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has opened up about his plans to quit the BBC series, and while nothing has been confirmed, the bookmakers have already been coming up with their predictions about who could replace him. The frontrunner to join Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton du Beke on the judging panel is dancer Cynthia Erivo, who has been given odds of 3/1. Oti Mabuse and Janette Manrara are close behind her with odds of 4/1. Alex Apati of Ladbrokes exclusively told Express.co.uk: “It’s early days but the odds suggest Strictly chiefs won’t be looking far when it comes to Craig Revel Horwood’s replacement.” Other names thrown into the mix are Derek Hough, Fleur East, and Jordan Banjo. Strictly: The bookmakers have been predicting who could replace Craig (Image: BBC) Following close behind them are Bruno Tonioli with odds of 16/1, Alesha Dixon with odds of 20/1, and Rylan Clark, who has been given odds of 33/1. Former Strictly Bill Bailey is the dark horse and has been given odds of 50/1. In a new interview, Craig, who has been a staple on Strictly since 2004, admitted he was ready to “hang up his dancing shoes”. Craig said he “wants to enjoy life” when he turns 60, which is in two years’ time. Strictly: Janette Manrara has also been tipped to replace Craig on the panel (Image: Getty) When discussing his retirement plans, Craig shared: “I’m working hard while I can, especially as I love what I do. It keeps me on my toes, darlings! ‘I’m now the same age as the late, great Len Goodman was when he first started – that’s scary, isn’t it?!” He added to Best Magazine: ‘The reason I look forward to it every year is because the cast changes. “I think that’s what’s fun about it, it doesn’t age. And this year’s line-up is fab-u-lous!” Strictly: Could Oti Mabuse be joining Motsi as a judge? (Image: Getty) Craig’s replacement wouldn’t be the only change to the panel, because more recently Anton swapped the dance floor for a judges’ seat. The star-studded panel will make a return on Saturday night for the Strictly Come Dancing launch show which will see the 15 celebrity contestants taking to the ballroom floor for the first time. Viewers will also get a first-look of the stars in action with their professional dance partners. Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday at 6.35pm on BBC One.