Strictly Come Dancing gets major format shakeup – and the judges are thrilled

Craig Revel Horwood has unveiled a major change to the format of the 2019 series – and it involves the judges.

While previously Craig, Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli enjoyed the occasional Foxtrot together, this year they're going to be out on the dance floor with the contestants themselves.

"This year is going to be very interesting because like Australia, they are taking a leaf out of Australia's book and Dancing With The Stars in America, the judges will be dancing," Craig revealed on ITV's This Morning.

"I don't know that Shirley Ballas (the head judge) knows that yet but she will be.

"We dance with the contestants, you put yourself on the line, so to speak."


Former principle ballerina Darcey Bussell stepped down from the show earlier this year amid claims she wasn't keen on being centre-stage.

But for Craig, it's everything he ever wished for.

"I did it in Australia and I absolutely loved it, it was great, with Courtney Act, which was absolutely fantastic," he continued.

"I loved it, to come into the room, to choreograph, to actually create an entire scenario and star in it yourself. And be judged, that is sort of the big thing.

"But I loved that, I thought it was really great fun. And I'm up for anything."

However, he admits he was "shocked" by Darcey's decision to step down.


"I didn't know that was going to happen. I had an inkling but there was only a slight suggestion on the tour but nothing more and I never thought that would actually happen because she's one of my best mates and I love sitting next to her, I love the fact she was whacking me with paddles," he said.

Asked about her successor, he said: "They haven't told me but they did say it's someone that can actually dance, so that's good.

"Also it needs to be someone opinionated."

Discussing the possibility of it being professional dancer Anton Du Beke, he said: "I don't know, I love Anton, 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."

The judge also revealed he met his horticulturist boyfriend Jonathan Myring on the dating app Tinder.

He said: "I wasn't really looking for anyone specific in that way and at least you get to know their age and what they look like before you meet up with them and we had a power meeting, which was an hour of avocado and eggs, and we have been together ever since."

Source: Read Full Article