BBC Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood makes admission over cancellation fears: ‘Never be able to now’
Craig Revel Horwood opened up on having to change his approach while critiquing Strictly Come Dancing contestants.
The 60-year-old dancer, who has been a judge on the beloved BBC show since it began in 2004, has always given firm but fair feedback.
He built up a jokey reputation as the judging panel’s “villain” though for his honest and no-nonsense approach.
However, due to recent BBC scandals and complaints about the tough competition, Horwood has admitted he’s had to soften his attitude towards the celeb competitors.
Bullying accusations rocked the show throughout 2023 and into last year after an investigation was launched following Amanda Abbington’s accusations against dancer Giovanni Pernice.
Pernice left the series and the probe also saw Graziano Di Prima axed over similar claims.
“I have found myself mellowing slightly, especially with the change of dynamic…” Horwood explained.
He continued: “When you consider what I used to say, I would never be able to say those sorts of things now.
“Back 21 years ago I could be more direct but now what I do is be honest and upfront with the contestants about their routine like I am with anything, I am honest, and with Strictly I am honest but then I will try tag a positive onto the end of it.”
Speaking to MailOnline, the choreographer continued: “I generally do one point now where it’s a negative and a point that’s positive just to help them build and grow and give them more confidence.
“As long as I am honest and not being harsh for effect and telling the truth about the dance then no one can really go against that.”
Opening up on fears of being “cancelled,” he told the publication it would only happen if “you’re being untoward in that way or doing it for effect or your own personal gain,” before explaining that isn’t the case with himself.
He added that while people may not always agree with his comments, their opinions aren’t based on any official dance qualifications.
Meanwhile, the BBC is gearing up for the incoming 2025 series, which normally hits screens in September.
While the professional dancer line-up was confirmed a while ago, no official word on this year’s celebrities has yet been released.
Names are expected to begin gradually being shared next month, but there are already plenty on the rumour mill.
The confirmed professionals include Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola.
Meanwhile, the judging panel remains unchanged, with Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke returning.
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Among the speculated celebrities are the likes of Mo Farah, Dani Dyer, Tom Parker-Bowles, Georgia Toffolo Stacey Solomon, Thomas Skinner, Ashley Cain, Tayce, Craig Rowe, Helen Flanagan, Mike and/or Zara Tindall, Angellica Bell and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.
However, fans will have to wait a few more weeks for official confirmation on the famous faces set to take to the dancefloor.