Craig Revel Horwood: there’s nothin’ like a Dame…
Our Strictly columnist Craig Revel Horwood embraces his inner panto villain in style…
In person, veteran Strictly Come
Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood is funny, warm and easy-going. He’s nothing like the stern persona who delivers killer putdowns to nervous celebrity contestants.
Craig, 53, has also garnered a reputation as the glitziest pantomime dame in Britain, most recently as crumpled old lush Miss Hannigan in Annie.
And as the Australian actor and choreographer joins best for an exclusive shoot, he opens up about panto, New Year’s resolutions and why, when the heels come off, he is just a really nice guy.
Craig, you sure make a beautiful woman!
Why thank you. I’ve done this kind of thing for a long time! I used to perform in clubs and call myself ‘Lavish’. She was my 80s alter ego. I’d take my trumpet, tap shoes and microphone, go to the clubs at midnight, and do shows till 4am. I’d totter around like a Joan Collins lookalike ( Dynasty was huge at the time!). The day I found myself walking up a hill in drag – with heels in my hand – alongside my friend, who was dressed as Tina Turner, at 6am, then getting on the wrong bus was the day I decided it was time to hang those heels up. Then I got offered my first panto job about 10 years ago, and it started all over again.
It was the Wicked Queen from Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs, wasn’t it?
Yes! I did her for five years. Then Captain Hook for three, then back to the Wicked Queen and now, this Christmas, I’m the Wicked Step-Mum in Cinderella in Woking. I love the freedom of panto. You can get away with murder in drag! You’re meant to be nasty. But as with any wicked panto character, you’ll always get your comeuppance. I wish real villains did!
You came back to the stage after quite a few years’ break. Was that nerve-racking?
Yes, I’d put a bit of weight on and I was nervous, after being a judge on Strictly, about how people would react to me. I was actually reviewed in really bad ways – they even used my own words against me! They were saying things like, ‘Craig looked like an old fat lady and it was a dis-aaa-ster!’ They were vile. I printed that article in full in my new book Strictest Confidence, because I think it’s good for people to see that I am criticised as well. I don’t just dish it out, darling.
Harsh! How did you take the criticism?
Well, I thought it was unkind and unnecessary as it was so personal. I never get personal when I comment on people’s dancing. Anyway, I soldiered on and lost 2st on that job, so it was worth it! I’ve been doing panto and loving it ever since.
You look fabulous as Cruella. Have you dressed as her before?
Never! Disney villains are great because they’re really extreme. Baddies in Disney get really bold storylines that always come with a moral, which is good.
Miss Hannigan from Annie is another iconic role. How would you describe her character?
Sad, really. She clearly wasn’t loved as a child, has a drink problem and is desperately looking for love. She’s misguided and that’s the reason she’s nasty to these children.
You seem to have a natural inclination towards wicked characters!
Maybe that was born out of Strictly Come Dancing! I think people see me as the pantomime villain. But I’m not like that in real life! I’m just a nice guy. It’s a persona – albeit a really fun one.
Have you had any disasters before treading the boards?
My corset exploded once. All of a sudden, my waist looked twice the size… And my microphone is forever falling into my ‘ breasts’!
Do your Strictly pals come to see you in panto?
Tess and Claudia come with their partners and kids. Shirley has been, too. Everyone supports each other – and panto is a giggle. It’s a great day out, whatever age you are. What are your plans for Christmas and New Year? I have Christmas Day and New Year off and usually spend it with family over from Australia, but this year we’ve got my boyfriend Jonathan’s family coming to mine.
Will you be rustling up Christmas dinner?
Generally I do, but I’m not on kitchen duty this year, which is a relief. I get so exhausted, and I’ve got to be in bed by 10pm. I always insist on doing my own stuffing and gravy – without them it’s not a proper roast… I don’t want anyone ruining my Christmas dinner!
Will you be hosting any big bashes, then?
A pool party at New Year! But I hate pools, so I put the Jacuzzi on and the guests come out in their bikinis and Speedos. Everyone from panto comes, normally. No one from Strictly, sadly, because they’re on holiday. Then Jonathan will be coming with me to Australia for two
months in February.
Any resolutions for the coming year, Craig?
To stop eating pepperoni pizza. It’s my downfall. I’ve had to limit myself to one a month. I’d eat pizza every single day if I could!