Craig Revel Horwood has vowed to continue working for as long as possible, ahead of his 60th birthday next month.
The Strictly Come Dancing judge is the longest-serving panellist on the BBC show, having joined when it first aired in 2004.
Following the recently ended series, Craig was questioned about his apparent plan to take things easy in the new year.
Insisting this was not the case, 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.”
He further explained: “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 diagnosed with arthritis and needed a hip replacement 12 years ago, due to worn out joints from his many years of dancing.
Craig Revel Horwood denied he had plans to retire at 60
He told The Mirror: “It was made worse by the fact that I have arthritis. My mother suffers from rheumatoid arthritis but I have osteoarthritis.”
After 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 challenges, Craig has pledged to continue working while he still can and is currently back on stage for panto.
Discussing his plans for next year, he also confirmed that he will be back on the Strictly panel.
Speaking to Best Magazine, he added: “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.”
This year’s series was won by comedian Chris McCausland and professional dancer Dianne Buswell.
When asked about his apparent softer critique style this season, Craig said he was kind due to the impressive standards of dancing.
In particular, he praised finalist Tasha Ghouri and added of the winner: “Chris worked really hard. He made us all emotional.”