Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood to be replaced by guest judge Cynthia Erivo for musicals week

Broadway star and Oscar-nominated actress Cynthia Erivo will replace Craig Revel Horwood on this weekend’s Strictly Come Dancing after he tested positive for COVID-19, the BBC has announced.

Dancer, director and actor Revel Horwood was revealed to be self-isolating by the broadcaster earlier in the week, adding he would not be part of the popular dancing show’s musicals episodes.

Erivo, who will play Elphaba in the movie version of Wicked alongside Ariana Grande, will take Revel Horwood’s place on the judging panel this week, alongside regulars Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke.

She’s no stranger to the world of musical theatre, having performed in shows such as The Colour Purple, Sister Act and The Last Five Years.

Erivo has also been nominated for the best actress and best original song Oscars, for her part in the film Harriet.

The actress said: “I’m so delighted to be joining the Strictly judging panel for musicals week.

“Musicals have a unique place in my heart, it’s such a special way of connecting all art and making it one.

“I’m excited to bring my experience to the show and I can’t wait to see what the couples have in store this weekend.”

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Revel Horwood is not the first person to take a week off the show due to COVID-19 this series, after comedian Judi Love and musician Tom Fletcher both contracted the virus during production.

But coronavirus is not the only illness hitting this series, with Peep Show actor Robert Webb, who had heart surgery two years ago, leaving the show on doctors’ advice and rugby star Ugo Monye missing a week due to back pain.