Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood reveals a surprising new career move as he announces debut album and 53-date headline tour

He’s best known to millions for his impressive dance moves.

But Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has announced a surprising new career move, revealing he’s making an unlikely step into music.

The dancer, 59, shared that he is set to release his debut album in October, and dropped his first single from the collection on Monday.

Speaking about the album, titled Revelations: Songs Boys Don’t Sing, Craig said: ‘This album holds a special place in my heart.

‘Each track is associated with female singers, which presented a delightful challenge.

The dancer (pictured performing on-stage in Annie) shared that he is set to release his debut album in October, and dropped his first single from the collection on Monday

‘I embraced this opportunity to record these songs, knowing that it might be my only chance to give them my own interpretation.

‘The album is a perfect blend of drama, pathos, romance and a touch of high camp.’

Craig released the first track, a cover of Dame Shirley Bassey’s This Is My Life, ahead of a 53-date tour next spring. 

It comes after the veteran stage star confirmed he would be returning for Strictly’s new series later this year, after sparking concern in December he may quit the show. 

Craig has been a judge on the celebrity dance competition since its 2004 launch, but fans began speculating that he would be leaving the Strictly panel.

After Craig broke down in tears during the grand final, fans claimed that his emotional appearance on the show was a clue he was preparing to quit.

However, Craig firmly shut down any speculation as he insisted he will be returning to the judging panel for the 2024 series next autumn.

Speaking on This Morning in December, Craig addressed the rumours while chatting to Kate Lawler about his pantomime appearance as the Wicked Stepmother in Cinderella.

It comes after the veteran stage star confirmed he would be returning for Strictly’s new series, after sparking concern he may quit the show when he broke down in last year’s final

As he got ready to go on stage, Kate asked him: ‘Are we going to see you on Strictly next year?’ to which Craig shut down any speculation as he replied: ‘Yes you are! I’m definitely coming back. Don’t believe any of those vicious rumours, no.’

However, he went on to admit that viewers may not see him busting a move in a group judges’ routine next year, after he took to the dance floor this series. 

He said: ‘I might hang up my dancing shoes just on the stage, and go towards direction, but that’s about it.’

Kate then told viewers: ‘We have confirmation! He’s on Strictly next year,’ as Craig enthusiastically punched the air.

It comes after fans speculated about why Craig unexpectedly broke down in tears during the final, claiming it was a sign he was going to quit the show. 

During the hotly-anticipated finale, Craig choked back tears as he complimented eventual winner Ellie Leach.

He then took to social media to gush about the final and Strictly itself, before wishing his followers a happy Christmas.

Craig penned: ‘One of the most amazing finals I’ve had the pleasure of watching tonight! 

‘Thank you Strictly for being fab u lous and keeping us all entertained throughout the Christmas season.

‘Happy Christmas everyone. Have a wonderful holiday season and may the new year bring you many incredible memories and adventures!’

When he broke down in tears on the show, several fans claimed his emotion was a clue he was preparing to quit the show, after he recalled the very first series in his critique.