Meet our new columnist Craig Revel Horwood: ‘I’m adorable in real life, darlings!’
Our brand-new Strictly Come Dancing columnist is none other than Craig Revel Horwood – we predict, he’ll be FAB-U-LOUS!
The Aussie choreographer and much-loved
Strictly judge, Craig Revel Horwood will be giving best readers the low-down and all the behind-thescenes gossip each week from the biggest show on TV. Famed for his pantomime villain persona on the BBC hit, there is much more to this charming, opinionated 53-year-old than his dancing ability and brilliantly caustic put-downs. Here, Craig talks about his love for the show he’s been a part of since it began – and his life and loves away from the camera...
Craig, a warm welcome to team best!
Well, thanks for having me. This is all very exciting, isn’t it? I can’t wait to get started.
You had a second hip replacement earlier this year, didn’t you?
I did, and the hips are back in good working order. I’m pain-free for the first time in two years. I rehabilitated over the summer in the pool, as you have to do a lot of aqua aerobics for recovery. I’m feeling marvellous, darling!
You’ve done Strictly since it first began in 2004. Are you still excited when it comes around?
Oh, of course. As soon as I hear that theme music, I get butterflies. It sends shivers down my spine. And this year promises to be another sensational one. Every year is so different – new cast, new talent, fresh opinions and personalities!
What do you think of the celebs confirmed so far?
Danny John-Jules from Red Dwarf seems to be really looking forward to all the sequins and diamanté, which is great. We normally get celebrities moving away from their comfort zone! Faye Tozer from Steps will be a brilliant performer. Whether she’s a good enough dancer or not remains to be seen. Think of Steps, and you think of little kids doing basic movements – armography and walking!
Who do you hang out with away from the show?
Bruno and I hang out in London when we can. We do dinner and the theatre a lot. But Darcey is also a real laugh. Claudia is hilarious and Tess is brilliant, we have a lot of fun back stage. Shirley lives in LA, so I don’t see her much away from the show.
Do you think she will have an easier time of it in series two?
I think so. She’s had the trial period and has been widely accepted, I think. She knows what she’s talking about and she’s not afraid to say so – you need that as a head judge. Look, she was never going to be a like-for-like replacement for Len [Goodman]. Len was tongue-in-cheek with a twinkle in the eye – Shirley doesn’t come from the entertainment world like he did. She was very nervous [last year]. Me too, in my first year – Bruno and I were terrified, we didn’t have a clue! But Shirley’s found her niche and people have warmed to her.
Is it fun playing the pantomime villain role?
But in real life I’m adorable, darling! It’s only on telly that I have to be responsible. If you were at my country manor with me, enjoying a glass of wine, you’d realise I am totally irresponsible offscreen. But on Strictly, I’m very fair and let
nothing get in the way of me judging someone’s dancing. In the BBC bar later, it’s a different story! Everyone has their role. Bruno will always be the over-the-top Italian. He’ll never change. I have my work personality and the one people don’t know so much, the Craig who enjoys the theatre and a spot of rollerskating – though that’s mainly in my driveway when I’m putting the bins out…
Who would you love to get on that dance floor?
My favourite celebrity in the whole wide world is Simon Cowell. He would make the best TV ever, he’d be a nervous wreck! I think you’d see his true personality come through. I was the same on Celebrity MasterChef in 2007 – I lost it completely when I knew I had three minutes left to cook. You put yourself out there to learn a new skill and you’re always going to fail first time round. I’d love to see Simon totally out of his comfort zone. We could dress him properly, too.
You’ve also got a new book coming out…
Yes, on 18 October. It’s called In Strictest Confidence and it’s about the twists and turns of my life. I celebrated my half-century and moved from London to a country house; I loved, lost and loved again. It’s about doing a West End show in drag [ Annie], making my film debut in Nativity Rocks! (out in November), and exploring my roots in Who Do You Think You Are? And it’s also about losing my father.
You have a new love…
Jonathan, yes – he’s gorgeous. I’m happy and healthy and loved-up, I’m a lucky boy. He’s a horticulturist who trained at Kew Gardens, and he also specialises in Australian flora and fauna. My bushes have been well and truly trimmed, darling! He’s not much of a dancer, though. This will be the first year he’s ever watched Strictly!
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One this Saturday night