Strictly fans SHOCKED as Craig Revel Horwood breaks down in tears during live final – while viewers claim to know the REAL reason for his tears

Strictly Come Dancing viewers were shocked to see famous stone-faced Craig Revel Horwood break down in tears during Saturday’s live final.

The 58-year-old judge, who has been on the panel since the premiere in 2004, choked back tears as he complimented eventual winner Ellie Leach.

But some viewers were convinced Craig was actually emotional, claiming it was an indication he was preparing to leave the show after recalling the very first series in his critique.

The choreographer struggled to keep it together after Corrie star Ellie, 22, made mistakes during her second dance and slipped off partner Vito’s shoulders during a tricky lift.

Craig comforted her and said, “I’m so glad you took a risk.” And I actually think back to series one and I imagined Natasha Kaplinksy doing that and how far this program has come’.

With tears in his eyes, he added: “You are amazing,” prompting fellow judge Motsi Mabuse to put a hand on his shoulder.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, someone asked, “Does anyone feel like this is Craig’s last night as a judge?” He seems super emotional and normally he doesn’t give a shit.

While a second said: ‘Why did I get goodbye vibes from Craig tonight? He’s not going away, is he?’

And, “I feel like Craig might leave or something. I hope he doesn’t.”

Someone else mused: ‘I wonder if Craig is considering leaving Strictly Come Dancing given his emotions and his ‘thinking how far the show has come’ comment after Ellie’s show dance.’

While another fan said: ‘The way Craig got all emotional remembering season 1 of Strictly Come Dancing makes me wonder if this is his last season? he’s mentioned it a few times this year and I’m afraid he’s going away…’

Despite the hiccups Ellie and Vito were crowned this year’s winners after the glitzy live final.

At 22, she became the show’s youngest-ever winner when she pinned Bobby Brazier and Layton Williams after each couple performed three dances for the judges.

Ellie and Vito, which is said to be an item, were both stunned when their names were announced, with the soap star’s family bursting into tears as they watched from the studio audience.

The overwhelmed duo choked back tears as they hugged each other before speaking to presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

“I really can’t believe this,” a stunned Ellie muttered before exclaiming that this was the first time she had ever seen Vito, 31, cry.

‘This is for you!’ Ellie told her partner, who said the win was just the ‘icing on the cake’ before calling her a ‘diamond’.

They raised the glitterball trophy as fireworks sparked and confetti fell from the ceiling as they were lifted onto the shoulders of their former competitors.

The pair had impressed during the final after performing a Pasa Doble, Show Dance and finally an American Smooth.

The final of the three earned them a whopping 40 points, with the judges raving about the actress’s ‘growth’ and blossoming confidence during her time on the show.

The routine was labeled ‘flawless’ with Craig, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all scoring 10 points each.

When they later spoke to co-host Claudia, they struggled to contain their emotions, with Vito saying: “For me, Ellie is Strictly” before throwing his arms around her and saying: “She’s my winner after all!”

Their very steamy Pasa Doble opened the show as the people sizzled in skimpy costumes, earning an impressive 39 out of 40 points – as well as a standing ovation.

The judges again were full of praise as they enjoyed the former soap star‘s improvement throughout the series