star Erin Boag said she would ‘of course’ return to the show – but on one condition.
The 48-year-old New Zealand dancer joined the dancing competition programme when it launched in 2004 before quitting eight years later.
In her ten series, Erin was partnered with stars including , and .
She never lifted the Glitterball Trophy throughout her tenure, but did land second place with in 2005.
While Erin has not been on Strictly since 2012, she revealed she would be keen to return but not as a professional dancer.
Instead, she fancies joining the judging panel, currently staffed by , and .
When asked by if she would ever return to Strictly, Erin replied: ‘Of course, but there’s no roles available. I don’t see any of them going any time soon.
‘I’m a little upset that Craig seems to have gone soft on them. He’s still the harshest of the judges but, compared to what he used to be, I miss all those little digs. He doesn’t give out 10s still, but Craig Revel Horwood has gone soft.’
If she became a judge, Erin said she would channel Craig of yesteryear and be a harsh critic, explaining you ‘have to be cruel to be kind’.
She continued: ‘I would never intentionally be cruel for the sake of it, no one wants that either, that’s just being vile.
‘Craig is the only one who really speaks the truth. You need that on a show like Strictly, and you need that more.
‘I wish the world wasn’t so proper, get on with it. You are competing, it is an entertainment show. You can’t expect to get good comments all the time, especially if you go out there and you don’t dance well.’
After leaving Strictly, Erin became engaged to business consultant Peter O’Dowd on Christmas Eve 2007. They were introduced by Erin’s Strictly co-star Camilla Dallerup.
The couple share ten-year-old son Ewan. Erin’s professional dancing partner Anton du Beke is the child’s godfather.
Anton and Erin have been on several UK tours together, including 2022’s Showtime and 2018’s From Broadway to Hollywood.
She also runs dance classes in places including Kingston and Burnham and for couples wanting to practice their first dance at their wedding.
The 22nd season of Strictly Come Dancing is currently in full swing. Seven couples now remain in the competition, with stars including Chris McCausland and Tasha Ghouri hoping to lift the Glitter Ball Trophy.
Strictly Come Dancing returns live at 7.05pm on Saturday on BBC One and iPlayer
