Craig Revel Horwood has confirmed his future on Strictly Come Dancing, declaring how he feels about his own career on the series following the news that presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will quit after the current series.
Speaking on Thursday, the long-serving judge addressed questions about his plans following the shock announcement, which came earlier this year.
When BBC Breakfast presenter Charlie Stayt asked whether he planned to leave, Mr Revel Horwood responded emphatically: "No darling. I will be dragged out kicking and screaming from that position."
The 59-year-old has occupied his seat on the panel since the programme launched in 2004, making him one of the original fixtures of the BBC ballroom competition.
BBC Strictly: Craig Revel Horwood shared his thoughts on his future at BBC Strictly
|BBC
His reassurance comes as the show prepares for significant changes ahead, with this weekend's final marking the last episode featuring the beloved presenting duo.
Mr Revel Horwood expressed deep sadness about bidding farewell to his colleagues of more than two decades.
"I'm very super sad about that," he admitted during the interview. "Because of course I've worked with Tess since the very beginning. You know, 21 years ago. And it's hard to say goodbye in that way."
The judge acknowledged, however, that change was inevitable in television.
BBC Strictly: Judges Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announced their upcoming exits recently
| BBC"But I know that people have to move forward and move on and stuff like that," he added.
Ms Daly and Ms Winkleman announced earlier this year that they would be stepping down from their hosting duties, with the pair having presented together since 2014.
Ms Winkleman previously appeared on spin-off programme It Takes Two before replacing the late Sir Bruce Forsyth as co-host alongside Daly.
Mr Revel Horwood described his role on the programme as akin to having "the best front seat in the world" to witness exceptional dancing performances.
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BBC Strictly: Craig Revel Horwood has been judging on the show since its debut in 2004
| BBC"It's my lovely little Saturday job that I would miss," he explained. "You know it's like doing a paper round for me. You know you get to meet lots of lovely people.
"You get to see amazing dance routines. And it's a fantastic show to be part of."
The judge highlighted the remarkable international reach of the format, noting it had been adapted across 63 countries and held a Guinness World Record as the most produced television format globally.
He attributed this success to dance's universal appeal, describing it as "a human consideration" that unites different communities through a shared passion.
BBC Strictly: Craig Revel Horwood said he would have to be 'dragged' out of his role
| BBC"Because that did win the hearts and minds of not only this nation. But every other nation around the world," Mr Revel Horwood reflected.
Speculation surrounding potential replacements for Ms Daly and Ms Winkleman has intensified in recent weeks, with numerous names being suggested for the coveted presenting roles.
Fellow judge Shirley Ballas has publicly endorsed two BBC personalities for the positions, telling The Independent: "I think Rylan [Clark] could be a good candidate... Judge Rinder would be wicked in the Clauditorium."
Ms Ballas also noted that Anton Du Beke harboured ambitions to take on hosting duties, though she preferred to remain focused on her own expertise in dance.