Camilla Parker Bowles might sound like an unlikely replacement for Len Goodman when he steps down as Strictly Come Dancing’s head judge, but Craig Revel Horwood has high hopes he may be able to convince her.

The Strictly judge and pantomime star counts the Duchess of Cornwall as a close friend.

A portrait of the Strictly Come Dancing judges
Strictly judges Len Goodman, Darcey Bussell, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli (Ray Burmiston/Press Association Images)

While it has been rumoured that Craig could step up and become head judge when 72-year-old Len retires later this year, he has claimed no interest in the role. Instead, he has a better idea.

Asked about the role on Good Morning Britain, he said: “I don’t want the job.”

He added: “I took it on last year when Len was off for a week. But no. I like the role I play thank you very much. I don’t want the responsibility of all that nastiness at the end. I would like it to go to somebody else. Perhaps somebody unknown.”

Len Goodman will be leaving Strictly after the next series (Ian West)
Len Goodman will be leaving Strictly after the next series (Ian West)

But when it comes to “unknown”, it turns out he only means unknown in the dancing world as his first choice is a rather famous woman.

“Actually, my best friend Camilla would be great,” he said. “She’s a fantastic dancer. She moves with such grace and authority.”

Camilla and Craig have a dance
Camilla and Craig have a dance (Arthur Edwards/The Sun)

Famously critical judge Craig also addressed the announcement of one of Strictly’s newest contestants, Judge Rinder, who can certainly give as good as he gets.

“Oh I’m looking forward to that enormously,” he quipped.

“If he wants to do well, he’s going to need that stamina.

“If he can take the constructive criticism I will supply him in abundance, then he will come back feeling more special the following week.”