Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood transforms into Mother Superior as he prepares to star in UK and Ireland tour of Sister Act

Published: 18:41 EDT, 19 October 2026 | Updated: 19:04 EDT, 19 October 2026 Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood has transformed into Mother Superior as he prepares to star in a UK and Ireland tour of Sister Act.The TV star, 61, has joined the convent after previously directing and choreographing a previous run of the beloved musical in 2016.Back then, singer and X Factor winner Alexandra Burke starred as the main character, Deloris Van Cartier. The new stage production this time will star Pop Idol singer and West End star Zoe Birkett and comedian Paul Chuckle – who will portray Monsignor O'Hara.First look images released on Tuesday showed Craig clad in the full black and white nun outfit.The iconic stage show is based on the hit 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg. Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood has transformed into Mother Superior as he prepares to star in a UK and Ireland tour of Sister Act The TV star, 61, has joined the convent after previously directing and choreographing a previous run of the beloved musical in 2015Craig is currently in the middle of another series of Strictly alongside fellow judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.It comes as sources close to the BBC show have warned that bosses are terrified that the departure of hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly will lead to the judges going too.Their contracts finish at the end of this season – meaning it will be time for head judge Shirley and the others to renegotiate with the corporation.Insiders suggest that Shirley, 66, may not return for what would be her 11th series, with speculation rife that she may relocate to the US to spend more time with her son Mark, a professional dancer on America's Dancing With The Stars, and his two children.One source said: 'The one thing that the BBC knew would keep some continuity this year was that the judges would all be back. They are under contract so that was a guarantee for the bosses and was definitely one less headache for them. But anything could happen. Any of them could walk away now and they will be free agents.'The most likely is Shirley. She has done a decade now and she has grandchildren that she wants to see more of.'The terms of their contracts will have to be renegotiated, and if the judges don't like what the BBC is offering maybe they won't return.'It will all be very up in the air in December once this run is over.'In 2023, the judges enraged BBC bosses when they demanded an 11 per cent pay rise on their salaries, which are thought to be between £200,000 and £300,000 for the three-and-a-half-month stint. The new stage production this time will star pop Idol singer and West End star Zoe Birkett and comedian Paul Chuckle – who will portray Monsignor O'Hara Craig is currently in the middle of another series of Strictly alongside fellow judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke Chiefs were furious at the demands and refused. Instead, the judges took a raise of between 3 and 5 per cent. A show source said: 'If they want more money again, it's unlikely that will happen. 'The BBC can't justify these salaries and now the viewing figures have tanked there's even less of a chance they will get more next time.' Ratings have dropped by around 1.5million for this year's series, which features new presenting team Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe.While Emma is regarded as a 'top pro', Josh has been criticised for being 'wooden' while Johannes has struggled to get his timings right.