Craig Revel Horwood has confirmed his future on Strictly Come Dancing after fears he could be leaving the big hit BBC show.
Craig, 58, has been a judge on the celebrity dancing competition since it was launched in 2004, but fans began speculating that he would quit the Strictly panel.
After Craig broke down in tears during the grand finale, fans claimed his emotional performance on the show was an indication he was preparing to quit.
However, Craig has now firmly quashed any speculation as he insisted he will return to the judging panel for the 2024 series next autumn.
On Friday's This Morning, he addressed the rumors as he chatted to Kate Lawler about his pantomime performance as the wicked stepmother in Cinderella.
Craig Revel Horwood has confirmed his future on Strictly Come Dancing after fears he could leave the big hit BBC show
As he prepared to go on stage, Kate asked him: 'Will we see you on Strictly next year?' to which Craig shut down any speculation when he replied, “Yes, you are!” I'll definitely return. Don't believe any of those malicious rumors, no.'
However, he went on to admit that viewers may not see him step into a group of judges' routine next year after he took to the dance floor this series.
He said: 'I might just hang up my dancing shoes on stage and head towards directing, but that's about it.'
Kate then told viewers: 'We have confirmation! He's on Strictly next year,” as Craig enthusiastically punched the air.
It comes after fans speculated about why he unexpectedly burst into tears during the finale, claiming it was a sign he was leaving the show.
During the highly anticipated final, Craig choked back tears as he complimented eventual winner Ellie Leach.
He then took to social media to talk about the final and Strictly itself, before wishing his followers a Merry Christmas.
Craig wrote: 'One of the most amazing finals I've had the pleasure of watching tonight!
Craig, 58, has been a judge on the celebrity dance competition since it launched in 2004, but fans began speculating he would quit the Strictly panel.
However, Craig has now firmly quashed the rumors as he insisted he will return to the judging panel for the 2024 series next autumn.
'Thank you Strictly for being fantastic and keeping us all entertained over the Christmas period.
'Merry Christmas everyone. Happy holidays and may the new year bring you many incredible memories and adventures!”
When he broke down in tears during the show, several fans came claimed his emotion was an indication he was preparing to leave the show, after recalling the very first series in his critique.
The choreographer struggled to keep it together after Corrie star Ellie, 22, made mistakes during her second dance and slipped off partner Vito Coppola's shoulders during a tricky lift.
Craig comforted her and said, “I'm so glad you took a risk.” And I actually think back to series one and I imagined Natasha Kaplinksy doing that and how far this program has come.”
With tears in his eyes, he added: “You are amazing,” prompting fellow judge Motsi Mabuse to put a hand on his shoulder.
However, he further admitted that viewers may not see him break a step in a group of judges' routine next year, as he said he might hang up his dancing shoes.
It comes after fans speculated about why he unexpectedly burst into tears during the finale, claiming it was a sign he would be leaving the show.
Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola were crowned this year's winners after the glitzy live final, in which they defeated Bobby Brazier and Layton Williams
On X, formerly known as Twitter, someone asked, “Does anyone feel like this is Craig's last night as a judge?”
While a second said: 'Why did I get goodbye vibes from Craig tonight? He's not going away, is he?'
And a third suggested: 'I feel like Craig might leave or something. I hope he doesn't.'
Despite the hiccups, Ellie and Vito were crowned this year's winners after the glitzy live final, in which they defeated Bobby Brazier and Layton Williams.