Retire? Not just yet!

Strictly is going nowhere, and neither am I, says judge Craig Revel Horwood, after his milestone birthday

- INTERVIEW BY HANNAH BRITT

This year saw Craig Revel Horwood celebrate a very special birthday: the big 6-0. And, while rumours have been swirling around whether or not the Strictly Come Dancing judge will retire this year, he says it’s not on the cards just yet. And we have his house renovation to thank.

"When I was 25 I took out my pension and began paying in £136 a month. I've been paying that ever since. I once said I'd like to retire at 50 and to be able to afford a bottle of Champagne every day... but that didn't work out.

"Then I thought, well maybe I'll retire at 60... but now I've just bought a new house and gutted it - and everything is so expensive. So I don't think retirement is on the cards for me just yet."

Craig was unveiled as an ambassador for Sofology, as their Head of Fusstomer Experiences, no less.

"I'm one of the fussiest people you'll ever meet - as you're probably well aware from watching me on Saturday nights - I'm not afraid to say if I don't like something," he says.

But turning 60 hasn't phased him.

"I always forget until someone reminds me, like Anton du Beke likes to do live on telly," says Craig, who lives in Kingscliff.

"I'm feeling great at 60. I remember when I was 30 and thought 60-year-olds were ancient, but I don't feel ancient. I also remember people saying you're only as old as you feel and actually it is true.

"I'm still performing, and choreographing 18,19, 20-year-olds. It keeps me relevant and in a young mindset because I'm conversing with them, working with them, having a laugh with them. Part of the team, the group, the clan.

"It keeps me up to date too with how young people speak - I know all the lingo."

There’s no longer a sell-by-date on dancing, he says.