'I wouldn't mind not judging at all': Strictly Come Dancing star Craig Revel Horwood threatens to waltz out of the show

PUBLISHED: 11:01, 11 November 2012 | UPDATED: 14:14, 11 November 2012

Strictly Come Dancing star Craig Revel Horwood has dropped a ballroom bombshell after revealing he 'wouldn't mind taking a year off' from being a judge on the hit BBC show.

The acid tongued choreographer is a hit with viewers thanks to his withering put-downs in front of the celebrity dancing stars.

However, Horwood,47, has hinted that he could leave the show after several years on the reality series.

Withering put downs: Acid tongued Strictly Come Dancing star Craig Revel Horwood has revealing that he 'wouldn't mind taking a year off' from being a judge on the hit BBC show

Withering put downs: Acid tongued Strictly Come Dancing star Craig Revel Horwood has revealed he 'wouldn't mind taking a year off'

He told the Daily Star Sunday: 'I wouldn't mind not judging at all.

They can get rid of me if they want. I wouldn't mind taking a year off from being a judge.'

However, a source told MailOnline: 'Craig is an incredibly popular part of Strictly Come Dancing - where would the show be without its Queen of Mean?

'He has been singing the praises of the new judging panel lineup, and I'm sure the Strictly audience will look forward to his withering critiques for years to come.'

He has been on the panel since the show launched in 2004 - as has fellow judges Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman.

Revel Horwood has also hailed new judge Darcey Bussell.

The famed ballerina has replaced singer Alesha Dixon - who is now a judge on Britain's Got Talent.

And Craig has revealed that he is loving the new look panel, insisting that it's great because the panel is now full of people that have devoted their lives to dancing.

Regular: Craig Revel Horwood has been on the show since it debuted in 2004

Revel Horwood also couldn't resist taking a dig at their reality rivals X Factor, insisting Strictly doesn't need a novelty act like Rylan Clark to keep viewers gripped.

However, he did cheekily admit that he could be tempted to help X Factor attract more viewers - providing Simon Cowell offered him £5 million!

Audiences on Saturday night's show saw Denise Van Outen set the dancefloor on fire with her fiery paso doble, bagging four 9s from the judges and the highest score of the series.

However, Craig still had room for criticism, but admitted that the routine was full of 'drama'.