We know, we know, it's not even summertime and we're already thinking about Strictly. BUT...
The machine that is Strictly Come Dancing is in motion all-year-round to ensure that the BBC's biggest show goes off without a hitch every winter. Last year, we learned that Rylan Clark would not be presenting Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two and was instead replaced by Fleur East, and that was about enough change we could handle.
We have to admit, this year we smell yet another Strictly shake-up; suddenly we're sat here a tad anxious that yet more of our fave Strictly staples might not be with us later this year (for whatever reason). Rylan's reason, btw, was that it was time to "hang up" the "glittery jacket and say goodbye". Hmm.
THEN we remembered learning about how the fabulous Craig Revel Horwood had signed on to play Captain Hook in the Milton Keynes Theatre's 2024 panto Peter Pan. A seasonal clash? Say it ain't so.
Relax. It ain't so. Craig has been juggling his panto and Strictly judge responsibilities for years and rarely misses filming. Just last year he starred as the Wicked Stepmother for New Wimbledon Theatre's panto, Cinderella. The man really can do it all.
But are all the current judges returning for 2024? So far the answer seems to be yes, but our eyes remain peeled, as there's a been a fair amount of change over the years.
Who are the current Strictly judges?
Craig Revel Horwood
Craig is a Strictly legend. He has been on the show since it began in 2004. He is known among viewers as the most controversial judge on the panel due to his often harsh critiques of celebrities' dancing abilities.
The dancer has worked on shows in the West End, including West Side Story, and has even been nominated for a Laurence Oliver Award. He was awarded an honourary doctorate from the University of Winchester in 2021 and even has a Madame Tussauds wax figure, too. Icon stuff.
Motsi Mabuse
Motsi is one of the newer judges on the series. She joined the panel's lineup for series 17 and has been on the show ever since. She has appeared as a dancer and judge on the German version of Strictly, Let’s Dance, after studying dance in South Africa and winning national championships.
She has Strictly family ties, too, as her sister, Oti, previously appeared on the show as a professional dancer for seven series.
Anton Du Beke
Anton is a Latin and ballroom dancer.
Anton joined the Strictly judges in 2021 after being a professional dancer since the show began airing. He has danced with the likes of model Jerry Hall and Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway.
Shirley Ballas
Shirley was made head judge in 2017. She began dancing at the age of seven and competed for many years with a few different partners before retiring from dancing competitions. She became a dance teacher, and, of course, a judge. Her dance specialty is International Latin. After competing in many dance competitions, she was given the title of Queen of Latin.
Who are the former judges?
Len Goodmam
Len was a judge from the show's inception and was on our screens until he left in 2017 to go to the US and focus his attention on the American version of Strictly, Dancing With the Stars. He was replaced by Shirley.
Len had not danced for some years as he retired in his late 20s after competing in many competitions. He sadly passed away in April 2023.
Arlene Philips
Arlene was on the judging panel for five years from 2004 until 2009. After the BBC announced a shakeup of the programme, it was suspected that Arlene would be replaced, and it was later confirmed by the broadcaster that Mis-Teeq singer Alesha Dixon would replace her after Alesha won the competition in 2007. This led to a lot of controversy and the BBC was accused of ageism.
Alesha Dixon
Alesha was a judge on the show for three series. She was criticised by viewers and the BBC apparently had nearly 300 complaints after the first show on which she judged. She had to reschedule the first three dates of her tour that she was set to embark on to be able to do Strictly.
Darcey Bussell
Darcey was on the judging panel for 10 years from 2009 until she left in 2019. This was a surprise to audiences and producers alike. She was then replaced by Motsi.
During her dancing career, she joined the Sadler’s Royal Ballet and performed in numerous classic ballets such as Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. She retired from dancing in 2007.
Bruno Tonioli
Bruno is a Latin and ballroom dancer, and has also had quite a successful music career, liaising with some big names like Elton John and Tina Turner. In 1980 performed with his band at the Eurovision Song Contest.
Bruno was on the show from the beginning, but he was replaced after series 19 by Anton due to other commitments that he had in the US. It was then announced in 2022 that Anton would be a permanent fixture after Brunio quit completely.
In a statement, Bruno said that he was proud of Anton and pleased that he was filling his role, "Anton, you've done a fantastic job, you deserve it. It's a 10 from me. Carry on, do me proud – but you've already done that anyway.”
Has Strictly ever welcomed guest judges?
There have been a few guest judges on the show, including Dirty Dancing’s Jennifer Grey and Donny Osmond, as well as Fresh Prince of Bel Air’s Alfonso Ribeiro and Oscar-winning actor Cynthia Erivo.