Craig: “I’m dying to see Simon on Strictly – he needs the ratings!”
Outspoken judge Craig Revel Horwood on the battle between Strictly and X Factor, finding love and quitting big city life
Strictly Come Dancing and The X Factor have long been locked in a ratings war as the two shows battle it out on Saturday nights. But with Strictly now soaring ahead, judge Craig Revel Horwood jokes that Simon Cowell needs to take part in the dance show to win back popularity. He says, “I’m dying to see Simon on Strictly. He needs the ratings!”
Away from the spotlight, the 53 year old has been unlucky in love in the past and saw his three-year romance with Britain’s Got Talent puppeteer Damon Scott, 39, come to an end in 2016. But Craig is now smitten with horticulturalist Jonathan Myring, 31, whom he met online earlier this year.
Craig says, “It just wasn’t right in the beginning with Damon. I was guilty as charged for wanting it to be more than it really was. I was very happy to be single again. I tried online dating and met up with people who didn’t look like their photos. I got bored of everyone pouting and being Photoshopped to death with a million filters.
“And then, Jonathan came along. It was refreshing because his profile was him on a kid’s tractor with a gin and tonic, having a laugh. He’s nice and loving. He plays the piano – and I’ve got a piano – he’s a great cook, and he’s 20 years younger, what’s not to like?”
After years living in London, Craig – who has released his autobiography In Strictest Confidence – recently swapped his two-bedroom flat in Camden for a seven-bedroom pad in the Hampshire countryside. He explains, “As soon as I turn into my driveway, I just breathe out, whereas in London, I was wound up all the time. It was lovely for a while, but I feel like I’ve had that life and I want a new one.” ● In Strictest Confidence by Craig Revel Horwood is published by Michael O’mara Books (hardback, £20)