THE 'real reason' Craig Revel Horwood broke down in tears during Saturday night's final has been revealed.
Craig, 58, left Strictly fans shocked when he broke character ahead of Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola's victory at the weekend.
Despite being infamous for his stony-faced exterior and harsh criticism, the judge couldn't hold back the tears as he delivered his verdict on Ellie, 22, and 31-year-old Vito's second performance of the night.
Now body language expert Judi James has insisted that Craig displaying his softer side was less about Ellie and Vito's stunning performance but pride for how far the show has come since he joined as a judge for the very first series back in 2004.
She told the Mirror: "Craig was openly tearful and overwhelmed at times. Tears might flow like Niagara on Strictly but Craig’s were authentic and fans are right to wonder what was prompting them.
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"His verbal messages gave clues that he was being nostalgic and sentimental. He said he’d been thinking back to the first show and how far it had progressed, which can imply someone is leaving a show, taking one final look back and seeing it as a whole, rather than as ongoing."
After Coronation Street star Ellie was left upset over a slip-up during her and Vito's second dance on Saturday night, Craig was quick to comfort her, assuring it's important to try new things.
He said: "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."
Craig added: "You're amazing," with watery eyes - which prompted Motsi Mabuse to place a hand on his shoulder.
Fans were quick to take to social media after the emotional comments and speculated that Craig is preparing to step back from the show.
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."
