craig

Craig Revel Horwood reveals his dream Strictly judge - and it's a royal!

July 27, 2016

Is Strictly Come Dancing ready for some royalty? Craig Revel Horwood has revealed his ideal replacement for exiting head judge Len Goodman – and its none other than the Duchess of Cornwall. The 51-year-old star spoke to Woman about his top choice for the hot seat when Len leaves the show at the end of the year.

"When it comes to my dream new judge – well, it's got to be my friend the Duchess of Cornwall," Craig revealed. "I've been desperate to get a royal on the show. Camilla could be just wonderful."

© Photo: Getty Images

Craig has named the Duchess of Cornwall as his dream new Strictly judge

Craig and Camilla have known each other for a number of years thanks to their support of the National Osteoporosis Society – the Duchess, whose mother succumbed to the disease in 1997, is the president, while Craig is a patron.

And, just like the Queen, Camilla is known to be a big fan of Strictly. "She loves the show," Craig previously told the Telegraph. "She absolutely adores it."

He also spoke about the moment the pair danced together at a promotional event for the charity in 2009. Craig had wanted to do the waltz, "but she said, 'No, I'd quite like to learn the cha-cha-cha, and she was really quite good, you know," he said.

© Photo: Getty Images

Craig and Camilla performed the cha-cha-cha together during a visit to a school in 2009

Camilla famously attended Strictly rehearsals back in 2011 following an invitation from Craig, and got the chance to tour the studio and meet with the dancers, before watching them practice ahead of the live shows.

And in May of this year, she couldn't help but quiz celebrity contestant Helen George about her time on the show, when they were introduced at the BBC Radio 2 headquarters.

"I know you from Strictly and Call the Midwife. I've followed your progress," Camilla told Helen. "Did you enjoy the dancing? It must have kept you quite fit?"

The royal is a big fan of Strictly Come Dancing

"I did enjoy it," replied Helen, who finished sixth in the competition. "Ainsley Harriot lost about two stone the three weeks he was in it but it was really enjoyable and good fun."

With a smile, Camilla then added: "People are going to think I spend all my time watching the television! I don't have time for anything else!"

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