Strictly's Craig Revel Horwood says he's been forced to ‘mellow' harsh comments through fear of being ‘cancelled'

The Sun

2 days ago

STRICTLY Come Dancing's sharp-tongued judge Craig Revel Horwood has admitted he's "mellowed" his straight-talking critique to avoid being "cancelled."
It came just months after the show's longest-serving judge launched an astonishing attack on his fellow BBC judges, as reported exclusively by The Sun.
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At the time Craig, 60, blasted Shirley Ballas, 64, Anton Du Beke, 58, and Motsi Mabuse, 43, and claimed he alone was behind the show's continuing success.
Now he has admitted he tries to "tag a positive" onto every negative comment about a celebrity's dance skills.
The pro said: "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."
He added to MailOnline: "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.
"You will only be cancelled if you're being untoward in that way or doing it for effect or your own personal gain but that isn't my case and never will be."
Last year, Craig - who often attracts pantomime 'boos' from Strcitly's live audience - admitted that he had toned down his judging style as it would not be allowed today.
He said: '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.'
Watch the moment Chris McCausland hits out at Craig Revel Horwood on Strictly telling him 'this is your opportunity to be nice'
Former Strictly show pro Ola Jordan recently claimed Craig had "lost his sparkle" due to toning down his approach.
He was even seen fighting back tears last series after an emotional routine from eventual-winner Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell.
STRICTLY SCANDALS
His attitude change came after former Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice was under investigation by the BBC over misconduct after last year.
The same investigation also saw fellow after allegations of "physical incidents" towards show partner Zara McDermott.
Giovanni quit the BBC show last year.
In October, the BBC released their findings into his conduct, upholding six of the 17 allegations of bullying made by Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington from her time as his 2023 partner.
Giovanni was cleared on the other 11, but the BBC still apologised to Amanda for her experience.
CLAP BACK
Craig, a Strictly veteran of 21 years, was pulling no punches on the first night of his UK tour, Revelations: Songs Boys Don't Sing.
In a comment writing off original head judge Len Goodman and axed Arlene Phillips, acid-tongued Craig said: 'There is no other judge. I created it. They are either dead or have been sacked.'
Playing up to his notoriety, he added: 'I get booed heavily but I enjoy playing the villain.'
He joked that his comments about Len, who died in 2023 aged 78, and Arlene, 81, who was axed in 2009, and the later judges would help him sell tickets for the show.
Craig laughed: '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.'
Craig, paid around £200,000 a year for Strictly, went on to rap the Beeb for making him change the name of his third autobiography.
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