Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood is transforming into Mother Superior for the upcoming UK and Ireland tour of the musical Sister Act. Revel Horwood, 61, previously directed and choreographed a production of the musical in 2015. The new stage production will feature Pop Idol singer Zoe Birkett as Deloris Van Cartier and comedian Paul Chuckle as Monsignor O'Hara.
The stage show is based on the 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg. Revel Horwood is currently participating in another season of Strictly Come Dancing alongside judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke.
Meanwhile, sources close to Strictly Come Dancing have expressed concerns that the departure of hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly could lead to the judges also leaving the show. The contracts for the hosts are set to expire at the end of the current season, prompting renegotiations for the judging panel.
There is speculation that head judge Shirley Ballas, 66, might not return for an eleventh series, with suggestions she could relocate to the United States to be closer to her son, Mark, who is a professional dancer on America's Dancing With The Stars, and his children. Insiders suggest that Ballas wishes to spend more time with her grandchildren.
Sources indicate that the BBC may face challenges in retaining the judges if contract negotiations do not meet their expectations, particularly following a past dispute over salary increases. In 2023, the judges reportedly sought an 11% pay rise, which was initially refused by the BBC, who instead offered between 3% and 5%. The BBC may be less inclined to grant further increases, especially given a recent decline in viewership figures for the show.
Ratings for the current series have reportedly dropped by approximately 1.5 million viewers. The new presenting team, consisting of Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe, has faced mixed reviews, with Willis being praised as a 'top pro' while Widdicombe has been described as 'wooden' and Radebe as struggling with timing.