Strictly Judge Reveals Bruce Forsyth Once Demanded Panel Shake-Up

Anton Du Beke reveals Sir Bruce Forsyth once demanded Craig Revel Horwood be moved from the end of the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel because he wanted to end on a positive note.

Brit Brief 15/06/2026 19:20

Strictly Judge Reveals Bruce Forsyth Once Demanded Panel Shake-Up — Strictly Judge Bruce Forsyth Demanded Panel Change

Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke has revealed that the late Sir Bruce Forsyth once made a specific demand regarding the show's judging panel. The entertainment legend, who died in 2017 at the age of 89, used to co-host the BBC ballroom programme with Tess Daly before Claudia Winkleman stepped in.

Bruce Forsyth's Panel Request

It appears that Brucie had a hand in deciding where the judges sat on the Strictly panel. While Anton, Shirley Ballas, and Motsi Mabuse joined the panel after his time, Craig Revel Horwood was a judge from the very beginning. The late entertainer decided he wanted Craig at the far end of the table.

Speaking on ITV's This Morning, Anton said: "A lot of people won't know this, but on the very first series of Strictly Come Dancing, Craig was up the end where I sit. He was up Brucie's end. Brucie went, 'You have to get him away from me,' and they moved him down the other end."

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Host Ben Shephard jokingly asked Anton if it was because Craig, who was also on This Morning, was "mean." Craig, known for his sharp critiques, explained: "Brucie said, 'I don't want him on the end because I'm going to go down the line and we can't end on a negative.' So I was shunted," he said as Anton, Ben, and fellow presenter Cat Deeley laughed.

Craig's Position Changed

"So literally Brucie moved Craig to where he is now," Anton said. Craig has been on the judging panel since the first series of the beloved show in 2004, while Anton, formerly one of the professional dancers, took his seat at the table in 2021.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have since stepped down from their presenting roles. The new series will be hosted by Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and former Strictly professional dancer Johannes Radebe.

So far, three contestants have been confirmed for the upcoming series: Australian singer Delta Goodrem, EastEnders star Lacey Turner, and Love Island's Dani Dyer, who was due to take part last year but had to pull out after injuring her ankle.

Strictly Come Dancing airs on the BBC, and This Morning airs on ITV at 10am on weekdays.