Strictly's Craig wants Anton to return as a judge next year

Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has revealed that he's loved having Anton Du Beke on the panel so much that he'd like him to stay on.

Professional dancer Anton joined the Strictly judging panel full time for the 2021 series after a brief guest stint in 2020, standing in for judge Bruno Tonioli after Bruno was unable to appear on both Strictly and Dancing with the Stars in the US due to travel restrictions.

Speaking to Best magazine (quotes via The Mirror), Craig, who has sat on the Strictly judging panel since the show began in 2004, praised "good egg" Anton for his judging skills and called him a "great addition" to the panel, which is completed by Dame Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse.

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"He's showing great empathy for the celebs – he's more lenient than me," Craig said. "And he's funny. Long may it continue, he's a good egg, Anton."

It has not yet been confirmed whether Bruno will make a return to next year's show or whether Anton will spend another year as a judge, after 16 years of partnering celebrities in the competition.

Anton hasn't given away any clues as to what he might be doing next year, but he did confirm that he has had an "incredible" time holding up those glittering score paddles and teased: "The most important thing for me is to be involved in Strictly, because I love the show."

Strictly Come Dancing 2021 airs on Saturday nights on BBC One, with results shows every Sunday. Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights at 6.30pm on BBC Two.