Strictly fans SHOCKED as straight talking Craig Revel Horwood breaks down in tears during live final –  while viewers claim to know the REAL reason for his tears

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Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left shocked to see famously stoney faced Craig Revel Horwood break down in tears during Saturday’s live final. 

The judge, 58, who has appeared on the panel since it’s premiere in 2004, choked back tears as he complimented eventual winner Ellie Leach. 

But some viewers were convinced Craig was actually emotional as they claimed it was a clue he was preparing to quit the show, after he recalled the very first series in his critique. 

The choreographer struggled to keep it together after Corrie star Ellie, 22, made mistakes during her second dance and slipped from partner Vito’s shoulders during a tricky lift. 

Comforting her, Craig said: ‘I’m so pleased that you did take a risk. And I think back, actually, to series one and I was imagining Natasha Kaplinksy doing that and how far this programme has come’.

Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left shocked to famously stoney faced Craig Revel Horwood, 58,  break down in tears during Saturday’s live final

The judge choked back tears as he complimented eventual winner Ellie Leach

With tears in his eyes he added: ‘You’re amazing’ prompting fellow judge Motsi Mabuse to place a hand on his shoulder.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one asked: ‘Does anyone feel like this is Craig’s last night as judge? He seems super emotional and normally he doesn’t give a s***’. 

While a second said: ‘Why did I get farewell vibes from Craig tonight? He’s not leaving is he?’.

And: ‘I feel like Craig might be leaving or something. I hope he doesn’t’.

Someone else mused: ‘I wonder if Craig is considering leaving Strictly Come Dancing given his emotion and his “when I think how far the show has come” comment after Ellie’s showdance’.

While another fan said: ‘the way Craig got all emotional talking about thinking back to season 1 of Strictly Come Dancing is making me wonder if this is his last season? he’s mentioned it a few times this year and i’m worried he’s leaving…’ 

Despite the hiccup  Ellie and Vito were crowned this year’s winners following the glitzy live final.

At 22-years-old she became the show’s youngest ever winner as she pipped Bobby Brazier and Layton Williams to the post after each couple performed three dances for the judges. 

The choreographer struggled to keep it together after Corrie star Ellie, 22, made mistakes during her second dance and slipped from partner Vito’s shoulders during a tricky lift

But some viewers were convinced Craig was actually emotional due to the fact he was preparing to quit the show, after he recalled the very first series in his critique, making the final his last appearance (L-R) Bruno Toniloli, Arlene Phillips, Len Goodman and Craig during first season 

The emotional star referred to Natasha Kaplinsky who won the show’s first season (pictured with partner Brendan cole)

Viewers took to social media gutted at the suggestion he would be saying farewell 

Ellie and Vito, who are rumoured to be an item, were both gobsmacked when their names were announced with the soap star’s family breaking down in tears as they watched from the studio audience.

The overwhelmed duo choked back tears as they embraced before speaking to hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. 

‘I actually, genuinely cannot believe this,’ a stunned Ellie muttered before exclaiming that this was the first time she had ever seen Vito, 31, cry. 

‘This is for you!’ Ellie told her partner, who said the win was just the ‘cherry on the top’ before branding her a ‘diamond’.

They raised the glitterball trophy as pyrotechnics sparked and confetti fell from the ceiling as they were lifted onto the shoulders of their former competitors. 

Despite the hiccup Ellie and Vito were crowned this year’s winners following the glitzy live final

At 22-years-old she became the show’s youngest ever winner as she pipped Bobby Brazier and Layton Williams to the post after each couple performed three dances for the judges

Ellie and Vito, who are rumoured to be an item , were both gobsmacked when their names were announced with the soap star’s family breaking down in tears as they watched from the studio audience

The pair had impressed throughout the final after performing a Pasa Doble, Show Dance and finally an American Smooth.

The final of the three bagged them full 40 marks with the judges gushing over the actress’ ‘growth’ and blossoming confidence during her time on the show. 

The routine was branded ‘flawless’ and saw Craig, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all score it 10 points each. 

Later speaking with co-host Claudia they struggled to contain their emotions with Vito saying: ‘For me, Ellie is Strictly’ before he wrapped his arms around her and said: ‘She is my winner anyway!’. 

Their very steamy Pasa Doble opened the show as the sizzled in skimpy costumes earning an impressive 39 out of 40 points – as well as standing ovation. 

Again the judges were full of praise as they revelled in the former soap star’s improvement throughout the series

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: THE CONTESTANTS’ PROFILES

Layton Williams

Age: 28

Profession: Actor

Layton says: ‘Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It’s time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’

Ellie Leach 

Age: 22

Profession:  Coronation Street star

Ellie says: ‘It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’

Bobby Brazier 

Age: 20

Profession:  EastEnders star and model 

Bobby says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line up, I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and adding a few moves to my locker. I’m looking forward to performing in-front of everyone.’

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