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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Saffron Otter

Strictly Come Dancing set for major format shake-up

Craig Revel Horwood revealed a major change to the BBC dancing show for the next series - and it involves the judges being judged.

There's already been a mix-up to the judging panel after ballerina Darcey Bussell stepped down from the show earlier this year.

However now the judges will perform routines with contestants in the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing series.

Speaking on ITV This Morning , Horwood said: "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.

"I don't know that Shirley Ballas knows that yet but she will be.

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

The judges, bar Bussell, will be creating routines and being judged in dances with contestants (BBC)

Although apparently the limelight was too much for Darcey Bussell, Craig on the other hand admits he danced with the contestants in Australia and 'absolutely loved it.'

He added: "I did it in Australia and I absolutely loved it, it was great, with Courtney Act, which was absolutely fantastic.

"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."

Speaking about Bussell's exit from the show, Horwood admitted he was 'shocked.'

He continued: "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."

Although her successor hasn't been confirmed, Horwood let on: "They did say it's someone that can actually dance, so that's good."

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