STRICTLY fans have shared their fears that a long-running star is set to quit after spotting a major clue in tonight's live final.
Craig Revel Horwood, 58, broke down in tears while critiquing Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola's second performance tonight.
In the final moments of the otherwise well-executed showdance, the Corrie star slipped as she tried to get on Vito's shoulders.
He managed to save her before she hit the stage, but the actress looked upset that the moment was not perfectly executed.
Judge Craig was quick to comfort her, assuring it's important to try new things.
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"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," he said to audience laughter.
Craig added, "You're amazing," with watery eyes - which prompted Motsi Mabuse to place a hand on his shoulder.
BBC viewers were left surprised by the moment, taking to X - formerly Twitter - to air their thoughts.
One wrote, "The way Craig got all emotional talking about thinking back to season 1 of Strictly Come Dancing is making me wonder is this his last season? He's mentioned it a few times this year and now I'm worried he's leaving..."
Someone else added, "I wonder if Craig is considering leaving SCD, given his emotion and his 'when I think of how far the show has come' comment after Ellie's showdance."
A third agreed, "I feel like craig might be leaving or something. i hope he doesn't."
Craig has been on the judging panel of Strictly Come Dancing since it started in 2004.
He has a reputation for being the harshest of the judges and is often booed by the studio audience.
The choreographer is known for stringently applying rules when marking contestants.
His estimated yearly earnings are £300,000, which includes theatre work and starring in panto.
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