Strictly Come Dancing 'returns' predicted as Craig Revel Horwood hints at when he'll leave show

A couple of possible Strictly Come Dancing returns have been predicted after Craig Revel Horwood hinted at when he may be putting down his judging paddle ahead of the new series. The choreographer will be back on the BBC One dance contest's expert panel when the show returns this Saturday (September 16).

The Strictly journey will officially begin with the launch show when fans will see the celebrities paired with their professional partners for the first time. This will then be followed by the first live show a week later on Saturday, September 23, at 6.15pm and will be when the competition really begins as the new couples perform for the judges' verdict and viewers' votes.

And Craig will once again take his place on the panel alongside Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and head judge Shirley Ballas as they cast their expert eyes over the 15 new celebrities who have signed up to take part in the competition show.

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But it comes as Craig recently hinted that he will quit the show in two years. The star, 58, is keen to “hang up [his] shoes and enjoy life” when he turns 60 in January 2025, meaning next year’s series could be his last as a panellist.

Speaking to the Mirror, the Annie musical star was asked if he had thought about 'resting' rather than juggling the different elements of his career. In response, he said: "I’ll do that when I’m 60, hang up my shoes and enjoy life. But 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?!"

But Craig has actually threatened to leave the show