Craig Revel Horwood embroiled in fiery war of words with former BBC Strictly pro over backlash to judging style
Craig Revel Horwood seems to be embroiled in a feud with former Strictly Come Dancing stars James Jordan and Ola Jordan – after she claimed he should be replaced as a judge.
Revel Horwood sits on the Strictly judging panel alongside Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton du Beke and is known for his harsh criticism.
The star often gets booed by the crowd when giving his comments to the stars and very rarely gets his 10 paddle out.
However, over the years, it seems the former dancer has softened and even admitted to changing the way he judges.
Speaking to Radio Times towards the end of last year, he explained: “I have changed my style of judging. I was really harsh 20 years ago.
“When I look back, I think, ‘Ooh, that’s cutting.’ It would now be classed as bullying, and then I’d be cancelled.”
His new approach to judging has not sat well with former professional Ola Jordan – who starred on the show from 2006 to 2015 – who previously claimed the show had become “too nicey nicey”.
She told Mecca Bingo: “I feel like Craig’s lost his sparkle. People loved Craig for what he was before.
“He would say it as it is, saying he wasn’t good, that was rubbish, but it’s almost like he’s got to say a positive now.
“He’s obviously been told they’ve got to be positive and that they don’t want any negativity in the show and that comes from producers, but they need to look at what the public wants really. It’s too nicey nicey.
“Former Strictly pro Ola Jordan says ‘nicey nicey’ Craig Revel Horwood replaced with ‘spicier’ judge.” Maybe you’d like to suggest your wonderful husband Ola? @The_OlaJordan
— Craig Revel Horwood (@CraigRevHorwood) January 29, 2025
“They’re all the same every year, so maybe they need a new judge – someone with a bit more spice on the panel. You could even have a different guest judge every week.”
Unimpressed with her comments, Horwood addressed her criticism on his X account and sarcastically penned: “Former Strictly pro Ola Jordan says ‘nicey nicey’ Craig Revel Horwood replaced with ‘spicier’ judge.’ Maybe you’d like to suggest your wonderful husband, Ola?”
Her husband James – who was on the show from 2006 to 2013 – quickly hit back at the comment and replied in a quote tweet: “Why’s that @CraigRevHorwood??
“Do you think I would make a good honest judge? I don’t suppose you read the part where she said you were her favourite judge – big love my friend.”
Fans of Horwood were quick to defend his position on the show, as one said: “Please God no!! Have you read his [James] ‘commentary’ on X when Strictly is on?”
Another added: “Every single thing they say to the papers tends to involve them stealing someone’s job, surprised Ola hasn’t put James forward to be the next Go Compare man next!”
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“Don’t you dare leave Craig. You are my absolute favourite judge and no one can replace your knowledge,” someone else penned before another expressed: “Sorry but Craig is the main reason I watch Strictly, love him. Would be rubbish without him.”
Agreeing, another wrote: “I’m afraid that swap would have to be a three from me Craig darling.”
However, not all fans were opposed to the idea that Jordan could be a new judge on the panel, as one praised: “I think @The_JamesJordan would be a fab judge it’s nice to have a change-up.”
Another penned: “I would love to see James Jordan as a judge on Strictly.” (sic)