Craig Revel Horwood is swapping Saturday night TV for the thrill of live theatre.

The Strictly star will be revisiting the role of Miss Hannigan, a character he played six years ago on the West End, in the touring production of Annie.

A number of guest stars will be stepping into the high heels of Miss Hannigan during the tour, which will stop off in Dartford for six nights this May.

While the TV judge will be taking on the role during the show’s stint in Kent, actors including Elaine C Smith and Jodie Prenger will play the orphanage owner at other venues.

“I just love this character so much,” says the dancer and choreographer. “I think she is an extremely misunderstood woman. Playing her is like an actor’s playground, she is a tyrant and a villain, and those are always the most fun characters to play.

“I couldn’t believe that they wanted me to play Miss Hannigan at first, but I thought it would be great, and a real challenge for me. She’s not a pantomime dame, there’s no mucking about or breaking the fourth wall, she’s a very real character in a beautifully written show.”

Presenter Paul O’ Grady opened the tour as Miss Hannigan and played the role up until his recent death in March.

Craig, who began his career working on musicals such as West Side Story and Miss Saigon, has been on two previous tours with Annie, in 2015 and 2019.

He has also recently choreographed and directed the touring production of Strictly Ballroom, starring Kevin Clifton, Maisie Smith and Faye Brookes.

“I grew up on musicals,” explains Australian-born Craig. “I did West Side Story in Australia and then went into Me and My Girl and La Cage Aux Folles. I joined the Moulin Rouge and then that led into being part of West End shows. I then left to become a director and choreographer, and subsequently a judge on Strictly.”

Craig joined the Strictly panel when the show first aired in 2004 and is the longest-serving judge on the show.

He is joined in Annie by fellow cast members Alex Bourne, Paul French, Amelia Adams and Billie-Kay, as well as the three young actors who portray the titular character.

The show follows Annie, an orphan growing up in 1930s New York under the tyranny of the cruel orphanage matron.

When she is taken under the wing of a wealthy family, she begins to find her place in the world and experience what a real home feels like.

Annie will be at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford from Monday, May 1 to Saturday, May 6. You can book tickets online here.

You can also book tickets by calling 03433 100033.