EXCLUSIVE: The new series of Strictly Come Dancing is underway, with the first elimination taking place this weekend
Abbie Bray Deputy Editor for Screen Time
15:21, 04 Oct 2025
Kevin Clifton is the current favourite to succeed Craig Revel Horwood on Strictly Come Dancing if the judge decides to leave, according to online bookmaker Betway.
While Craig has made no recent admission about leaving the show, he previously did admit that he had plans to retire when he turned 60.
The judge has been a cornerstone of the ballroom for over two decades, but with rumours mounting that he may be hanging up his score paddle for good, Kevin is topping the betting as the most likely replacement.
Kevin’s not the only ex-pro in the running, with Erin Boag and AJ Pritchard both priced as 10/1 shots to become a judge on the show.
Mike Reading, spokesperson at Betway, said: “Craig Revel Horwood’s famously sharp critiques have kept celebrities on their toes for years and made him a fan favourite on Strictly Come Dancing for nearly two decades. If he takes his final bow this series, it’ll leave some big shoes to fill on the judging panel.
Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton(Image: BBC)READ MORE: Death in Paradise actor to star in third series of The Marlow Murder ClubREAD MORE: Gogglebox’s Shirley leaves fans in hysterics with cheeky remark about Strictly star
“Kevin Clifton is currently waltzing ahead as the frontrunner at 4/1 thanks to his glitterball-winning credentials.
“But with his partner, 2018 Strictly champion Stacey Dooley, is also in the running at 9/1, so we could see the famous couple go toe to toe for the coveted judging chair!”
He added, “Ashley Banjo (5/1) and Oti Mabuse (7/1) could leap from ice to ballroom after the end of Dancing on Ice, while Rylan Clark and Cynthia Ervio are the longshots at 25/1 due to their jam-packed schedules.”
Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood said he wanted to retire at 60(Image: BBC)
Craig expressed his desire to retire in a 2023 interview, revealing that he wants to enjoy life when he turns 60.
Craig said, “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?
“The reason I look forward to it every year is because the cast changes. I think that’s what’s fun about it, it doesn’t age. And this year’s line-up is fab-u-lous!”
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturday at 6.20pm on BBC One.