Craig Revel Horwood has admitted to softening his traditionally cutting commentary on Strictly Come Dancing, fearing that what was once regarded as sharp judging could now be interpreted as bullying, which might lead to him being “cancelled”.
The renowned dance expert and television star opened up in an interview with Radio Times, saying: “I have changed my style of judging,” and reflected on the evolution from his approach two decades ago, noting, “I was really harsh 20 years ago. When I look back, I think, ‘Ooh, that’s cutting.'”
Mindful of today’s sensitivity to harsh criticism, he expressed, “It would now be classed as bullying, and then I’d be cancelled.”
Yet, he insists the change isn’t due to a “fear of being cancelled” but stems from a mindset shift to “more like a teacher than a judge”.
Recalling the blunt remarks he made in the past, he described them as “very direct”, but now, he prefers to “wrap the truth in a nice way.”
This revelation comes amidst various participants sharing their experiences on the beloved BBC One series. Amanda Abbington, famous for her role in Sherlock, lodged complaints regarding her professional dance partner during the 2023 season, Giovanni Pernice who has consistently refuted the allegations against him.
Following an investigation into these complaints, the BBC extended an apology to Amanda, acknowledging some while dismissing others. As a result of such episodes, protective measures like introducing chaperones to rehearsal sessions have been adopted, reports OK!.
“Things have to change,” Craig remarked, recognising the necessity for evolution during the cherished show’s 20th-anniversary festivities. “These dancers are world champions they’ve been taught properly to win, and the only way you’re going to achieve that is by someone driving you. That’s embedded in their DNA, you can’t just change that overnight.”
“That’s very different to a celebrity who’s a novice coming in. Celebrities are sensitive because they’re in the public domain. They’ve got reputations to protect and don’t want to be seen looking stupid.”
“So it’s about having someone there in the room and guarding both the celebrity and the professional, and also encouraging the fact that it should be fun. They still need to be pushed, because we can’t get away from the fact that dancing is hard, but it’s a light entertainment programme as well.”
Craig also disclosed his intention to compile all the negative remarks and so-called death threats he has received over the years into a forthcoming book to “shame them”.
Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer