Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has been on the show since it began in 2004 and has been open about his plans to retire in the past
Jessica Sansome TV and Celebrity Editor, Jane Lavender and Hannah Britt
08:00, 07 Nov 2025
Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood(Image: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has opened up about his retirement plans after reaching a significant personal milestone.
He says he’s “feeling great” despite earlier intentions to step back from work.
The BBC One dance show stalwart, who has been with the programme since its inception in 2004, is currently back on the judging panel for the 2025 series. With hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman both reportedly set to depart at the end of this run, questions surrounding the show’s future have intensified.
Craig, whose 60th birthday arrived in January, had previously indicated he hoped to retire by 50, with a fallback plan of stepping away at 60. However, those plans have now been shelved.
Speaking to The Mirror, he said: “When I was 25, I took out my pension and began paying in £136 a month. I have been paying that ever since.
Strictly judges(Image: PA)
“I once said I would like to retire at 50 and to be able to afford a bottle of champagne every day. But that didn’t work out. Then I thought, well maybe I will retire at 60.”, reports the Manchester Evening News.
He continued: “But now I’ve just bought a new house and gutted it – and everything is so expensive. So I don’t think retirement is on the cards for me just yet.”
The judge, recently announced as Sofology’s ambassador and Head of Fusstomer Experiences, added that reaching 60 hasn’t troubled him in the slightest. “I always forget until someone reminds me – like Anton du Beke likes to do live on telly,” the dancer and choreographer said. “I’m feeling great at 60.
“I remember when I was 30 and thought 60 year olds were ancient, but I don’t feel ancient. I also remember people saying you’re only as old as you feel and actually it is true. I’m still performing, and choreographing 18,19, 20 year olds.
“It keeps me relevant and in a young mindset because I’m conversing with them, working with them, having a laugh with them – part of the team, the group, the clan. It keeps me up to date too with how young people speak – I know all the lingo.”
Craig has served on the Strictly judging panel for over two decades, making him the show’s longest-standing judge. “Strictly celebrates an older dancer and I think that’s great,” he said.
“In fact, it celebrates everyone, and I think that’s so important. So many press want to bring it down and I don’t understand why. It’s upsetting.”