Craig Revel Horwood’s Strictly replacement revealed
The famous judge will miss Musicals week after he tested positive for COVID
Last updated 19th Nov 2021
Strictly Come Dancing have revealed a very special guest judge will be joining the panel for the beloved Musicals Week, following the news that Craig Revel Horwood will unfortunately miss this weekend's show as he tested positive for COVID-19.
In an exciting move, Strictly has announced that singer and actor Cynthia Erivo will join the judging panel and step into Craig’s huge shoes this weekend.
Cynthia said: "I’m so delighted to be joining the Strictly judging panel for Musicals Week. Musicals have a unique place in my heart, it’s such a special way of connecting all art and making it one. I’m excited to bring my experience to the show and I can’t wait to see what the couples have in store this weekend."
The actress has starred in many theatre productions over the years, including The Colour Purple and Sister Act. She has won a Daytime Emmy Award, Grammy Award and Tony Award, and been nominated for two Academy Awards (Oscars).
She’s the perfect replacement!
Cynthia also landed the role of Elphaba in the highly anticipated film Wicked, where she will star alongside pop sensation Ariana Grande, who will play Glinda.
Craig is expected to return the following week after his period of self-isolation has ended.
Since 2020, Strictly has followed strict rules and restrictions to eliminate the spread of coronavirus on set.
Unlike the 2020 series, which was far more strict, anyone who tests positive for the virus this year needs to isolate from the day symptoms started (or the day of the positive test) and the next 10 full days, according to government guidelines.
The shorter period of self-isolation means that those who catch the virus during this year’s series may be allowed to return to the competition after skipping a week.
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday (20th November at 6.35pm.)
Check out all the celebs who have TURNED DOWN Strictly:
Michelle Keegan
Despite bosses being eager to get Michelle Keegan on the show, the former Coronation Street actress had to turn down the proposition due to her ITV contract at the time.
She's since revealed she's been asked a number of times to appear, but she's always turned it down because she's too 'nervous' with the live audience.
However, she was in the audience when her husband Mark Wright appeared in 2014.
Noel Gallagher
Noel Gallagher was approached by bosses not long after Oasis split. However, much to EVERYBODY'S disappointment, the singer turned them down. Now that Oasis have reunited, we very much doubt we will see Noel on the show anytime soon!
Jodie Comer
Killing Eve actress Jodie Comer was reportedly asked to sign up for the show in 2018, but the Liverpudlian said she didn't want to 'embarrass' herself!
Fast-forward to 2020 and Jodie was also favourite to appear, but that didn't happen either!
Louis Walsh
After being axed from The X Factor by Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh was offered a slot on Strictly. He said in an interview at the time, "The day before the call from The X Factor, I got a call to be a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. I thought, 'I'd love to do it, just to annoy Simon'."
Piers Morgan
There's no doubt that controversial TV host Piers Morgan would get people talking on the show. But he's previously turned it down saying, "They've offered me vast sums of money to go and humiliate myself on national TV. But I prefer to do it with a bottle of Jack Daniel's in the privacy of my own home."
Mel C
Former Spice Girls singer Mel C reportedly turned down an offer for Strictly due to the 's--t pay'. She said, "The problem is if you do Strictly it's so high profile and you'll find yourself in the news every day. And the money's s---."
Nadiya Hussain
She's the Queen of Bake-Off, but star baker Nadiya Hussain turned down a spot on the 2018 series after admitting she likes to enjoy the show with her family.
Sir Patrick Stewart
Actor Sir Patrick Stewart admitted he would have taken part in the show in the early years, but not so much now.
David Harewood
Homeland actor David Harewood turned down the show in 2013, the reason... because he didn't fancy wearing spandex!
Maya Jama
Love Island host Maya Jama was a firm-favourite to appear on the 2018 series of Strictly. However, Maya turned it down after admitting "now isn't the right time".
Pippa Middleton
After stealing the show at her sister Kate Middleton's wedding to Prince William, Strictly bosses were keen to sign up Pippa, even offering her a five-figure sum. However, she declined.
Bradley Wiggins
Olympic legend Bradley Wiggins is used to wearing tight-fitting clothing for his sport, but the cyclist didn't seem keen on sparkly lycra!
Mel Giedroyc
Former host of The Great British Bake-Off Mel Giedroyc is such a big fan of Strictly, she admitted she didn't want to 'spoil it' by taking part.
Alan Titchmarsh
Popular TV personality Alan Titchmarsh has turned down the show a number of times, adding, "I'd rather be either interviewing someone or teaching people how to grow things or whatever".
Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill
After her amazing success for Team GB at the Olympics, Strictly bosses were keen to get Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill on the show.
However, she turned it down, adding, "I've been asked to do it a few times and I love watching it, but I'm not sure. I would be terrible. I'm not ready for Strictly. I'll stick to my cycle and a bit of running here and there, I think."
Noel Edmonds
Former Deal or no Deal host Noel Edmonds turned down a slot on the show due to the famous 'Strictly curse'.
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