Strictly Come Dancing's notoriously sharp-tongued judge, Craig Revel Horwood, has set fans abuzz by dropping a massive hint about potential celebrity contestants for the show's 2026 lineup.
A Cryptic Blackpool Post
The TV star, 60, took to social media following the spectacular Blackpool special episode of the current series. Despite the evening's high drama, which saw Emmerdale's Lewis Cope score a perfect 40 for his Charleston and drag queen La Voix withdraw due to injury, Craig's post-show activities stole the spotlight for what they might mean for the future.
Craig, who has been a fixture on the judging panel for over 20 years since the show's inception, shared a photo on Instagram from a late-night catch-up. The image featured CBBC legend Paul Chuckle and Gogglebox siblings Sophie and Pete Sandiford.
He captioned the post, calling them "perfect candidates for 2026 if you ask me." This direct suggestion sent Strictly enthusiasts into a frenzy of speculation and agreement.
Fan Reaction and Future Changes
The comment section on Craig's post was quickly flooded with support for his ideas. One excited fan wrote, "Yes, get a brother sister duo on!!" while another declared, "Yes, yes, yes!! Perfect candidates for Strictly." The overwhelming consensus was that the suggested stars would be a fantastic addition to the ballroom.
While official speculation for the 2026 series won't begin until next summer, with the lineup typically announced in August, Craig's hint has provided an early talking point. The upcoming series is already confirmed to have a significantly different feel.
Long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have announced they will be stepping down at the end of the current series after more than a decade presenting together. In a joint video announcement, Tess reflected on their 21 "wonderfully joyful years" on the show, a journey that began for her in 2004 with the late Bruce Forsyth.
No replacements have been officially confirmed, though rumours are circulating about possible successors including former This Morning host Holly Willoughby and current It Takes Two presenter Fleur East.
What This Means for Strictly
Craig Revel Horwood's unofficial endorsement highlights the constant buzz and speculation that surrounds one of the BBC's most beloved programmes. His unique position as the show's longest-serving judge gives his hints considerable weight with the fanbase.
With the confirmed departure of its iconic hosts and now early whispers about future contestants, Strictly Come Dancing in 2026 is poised to be a fresh new chapter for the Saturday night staple, potentially featuring the very stars Craig has now publicly backed.
