Craig set to take cha-cha charge
Mr Nasty Craig Revel Horwood is being lined up to be Strictly Come Dancing’s new head judge.
The sharp- tong ued choreographer, 51, is being backed by colleagues to take over when 72-year-old Len Goodman quits.
BBC bosses are keen for Craig’s former arch- rival Anton Du Beke, 50, to join him on the panel.
Execs want Anton’s “Mr Nice” personality to balance Craig’s no-nonsense – and at times i nsult i ng – approach.
A TV insider said: “Craig is the obvious choice for the head judge job in many respects. He’s been there from the beginning and is part of the fabric of the show.
“But there is a sticking point. They are wary of how the public would view Craig because he is so different to Len, so they’re keen for Anton to be on the panel too.
“Having Anton next to Craig would make for great TV as they are bound to differ over scoring.
“Anton is very much the ‘granny’s favourite’. His personality is more in line with Len’s.
“But they feel it is quite a leap from pro dancer to head judge, so it’s unlikely he’d get the head judge title.”
Strictly execs have also touted other names , including dancer Brendan Cole, 40, and Australian Dancing with the Stars judge Helen Tichey, 71.
Show sources say bosses won’t be making any firm decisions until Len’s stint ends after the new series, which starts next month.