Importance Score: 30 / 100 🔵
Strictly Judge Craig Revel Horwood Claims He is ‘Only Judge That Matters’ on Dance Show
Veteran Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has ignited controversy by suggesting he is the most crucial member of the judging panel. The 60-year-old choreographer asserted his pivotal role in the show’s enduring popularity, appearing to downplay the significance of fellow judges Shirley Ballas, 64, Anton Du Beke, 58, and Motsi Mabuse, 43. During the opening night of his UK tour, “Revelations: Songs Boys Don’t Sing,” Revel Horwood also made an oblique reference to the late former head judge Len Goodman, who passed away at 78 in 2023, and former judge Arlene Phillips, 81, stating, “There is no other judge. I created it. They are either dead or have been sacked. I get booed heavily but I enjoy playing the villain.”
Publicity Stunt Claim
The outspoken television personality further implied that his controversial statements were intentionally designed to attract media attention for his tour. “We are going to be in the news. We need it as this is the beginning of the tour and we need to sell the tour,” he remarked.
Angela Rippon Defends Craig Revel Horwood’s Remarks
Angela Rippon, 80, a former celebrity participant on Strictly in 2023 and the show’s oldest ever contestant, has come to the defence of Revel Horwood following his contentious comments. Speaking on GB News, Rippon characterized him as a “sweetie” and indicated she understood his perspective.
Rippon’s Testimony of Revel Horwood’s Character
“Actually, having met Craig and known him for many years, he is the biggest sweetie in the world. He is not the Wicked Witch of the North, which he sets out to be on Strictly.”
Understanding Revel Horwood’s Judging Approach
“And I think I can see where he’s coming from on what he said, because he is the one that they always boo, because he is the judge who consistently points out areas for improvement in a performance.
The Role of a Judge: Constructive Criticism
“And the whole point of having a judge on these programmes, really, is to offer constructive feedback to the dancers. To say, ‘This is what you’re not getting quite right. If you were to improve that, you would be better.’ Shirley is actually very good at that as well. But there is a tendency sometimes for some judges to simply say, ‘Oh, that was absolutely wonderful, darlings.'”
Revel Horwood’s ‘Villain’ Image
“He enjoys being controversial, and he has certainly achieved that today with front-page coverage. Perhaps this will encourage more people to attend his show. He does cultivate that ‘baddie’ persona on air. But I assure you, he is a genuinely kind person, the kindest, loveliest, most fun person,” she conveyed to co-host Stephen Dixon.
Past Controversies and Comments on Co-stars
This is not the first instance of Craig Revel Horwood making critical observations about his Strictly colleagues. During a book tour in 2018, he reportedly criticized Strictly presenter Tess Daly, 56, for posing “dull questions”.
Remarks on Shirley Ballas
He also made pointed comments regarding Shirley Ballas’ appearance, stating: “I am not joking. Her boobs were… hanging out. It was not very, erm, Strictly.”
Revel Horwood’s Tenure and BBC Book Dispute
Craig Revel Horwood is reportedly remunerated approximately £200,000 annually for his role on Strictly and is the sole remaining original judge, having participated in all 21 series of the programme.
Book Title Alteration
Despite his long-standing association with the show, he claimed the BBC required him to change the title of his third autobiography. He was allegedly prevented from naming it “Strictly Confidential” due to the inclusion of the word “Strictly” and was obliged to revise it to In Strictest Confidence.