Strictly's Anton Du Beke opens up on co-star's possible exit

Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke has opened up on the possible exit of long-standing co-star Craig Revel Horwood.

Craig has been a judge on the show since its inception in 2004, but has recently been hinting at a departure from the show.

“I hope Craig does the show forever," Anton told The Mirror. "He’s such an important part and he adds so much."

Related: Strictly's Angela Rippon becomes early favourite with viewers after impressive first routine

Anton continued by heaping praise on his fellow judge and commending his "presence".

"Craig can get away with delivering his verdict in one word. I can’t do that, I physically can’t say just one word. It’s an innate skill and you have to have a certain presence to get away with it."

He followed up by reminiscing on some of Craig's harsher critiques from the "early days" of Strictly.

"Some of the things he would say were dreadful. He’d tell people, ‘You’re an embarrassment to yourself and your family.’ It was cutting.

"He’s softened now – these new contestants have no idea what they get away with.”

Related: How to buy tickets to Strictly Come Dancing's Craig Revel Horwood in 2023 panto

Craig recently opened up about a possible exit from the show once he turns 60.

"I'm now the same age [58] as the late, great Len Goodman was when he first started – that's scary, isn't it?!" he said, before admitting that he wanted "to enjoy life" at 60.

The current season of Strictly Come Dancing is now underway, with the line up including EastEnders actor Bobby Brazier and Love Island star Zara McDermott.

Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturday nights on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights from September 25 on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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