Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has set the record straight about whether or not he has plans to retire at 60.
Craig, who reaches the milestone age next month, is the longest-serving judge on the BBC show having joined when it first began in 2004.
Following the end of the latest series, Craig was quizzed on his apparent plan to slow down in the new year.
Insisting that he was instead busier than ever, he shared: “I did not [say I was going to retire!] I said my dancing days are over. I still have a bit of a go, but no splits.
“You can’t really do those with two big his replacements! Being totally honest, I gave up dancing professionally at 30.
“It’s a young person’s game. That said, I think my life is just beginning. I shall be judging, singing and directing until I’m dead.”
Craig was told he had arthritis and needed a hip replacement 12 years ago, due to worn out joints from his many years of dancing.
“It was made worse by the fact that I have arthritis,” he told The Mirror. “My mother suffers from rheumatoid arthritis but I have osteoarthritis.”
Craig Revel Horwood confirmed he will be back on Strictly Come Dancing next year
(Image: BBC)
Following an injury during a pantomime stint, the Strictly judge underwent his first operation in 2013, followed by his second hip replacement five years later.
Despite his health issues, Craig has vowed to continue working while he still can and is currently back on stage for panto.
Addressing his plans for next year, he also confirmed that he will be back on the Strictly panel.
He added to Best Magazine: “I’m on stage from April to June talking about how performing has affected my life.
“July and August I have off to see my family and throw a joint party with Jonathan (his partner) and then back to Strictly.”
Craig judges the show alongside Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.
Collectively, they threw their support behind this year’s winners; comedian Chris McCausland and professional dancer Dianne Buswell.
Quizzed on his seemingly kinder approach to giving critique this year, he shared: “Well, I was kind but the dancing was good!
“Tasha (Ghouri) was fantastic and Chris worked really hard. He made us all emotional.”