Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has admitted that he will miss his co-star Bruno Tonioli after he leaves the BBC show, which he has been part of for 18 years.
Craig, known for his hard-to-please nature and critical attitude, has judged the celebrity contestants alongside Bruno, known for his flamboyant character and happy-go-lucky personality, for almost 20 years since the show’s debut in 2004.
Despite their polar opposite characteristics, Craig has revealed that he will “miss” his old pal as he departs from the show to focus on the American version, Dancing With The Stars.
Craig opened up about Bruno’s exit to MailOnline and said: “I am going to miss him, but then I do get to spend quite a few months with him travelling around the country in a Mini so I get my yearly fill, which is quite good.”
The dancing duo are set to return for a second series of their ITV show, Craig and Bruno’s Great British Road Trips, which saw the pair travel the length and breadth of the country from Cornwall to Yorkshire and Scotland to the Lake District.
The programme went on for six episodes and has been renewed for a second season, so viewers will still continue to see Bruno and Craig’s antics after he leaves Strictly.
However, there is an empty spot on the judging panel and Craig has an idea of who he wants to fill it.
Speaking of fellow frosty-faced judge Simon Cowell, Craig explained: “I’d like him because I think he would be brilliant television. I’ve met him, but I’m not friends with him. It was in America, actually, with Bruno.”
However, Craig has also shared his support for professional dancer Anton Du Beke to take on the role after he replaced Bruno during the height of the pandemic.
Anton covered for the star as Covid-19 restrictions made it difficult for the judge to travel between the UK and the US.
When Anton was on the panel, Craig said that he was “pleased” the producers had “gotten him off the dance floor” and “put him where he belongs”.
Craig then called him “so brave” and admitted that he hoped Anton would “come back next year”, but he was “sure he will”.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
