Darcey didn’t waltz off over pay, says Craig
CRAIG Revel Horwood says he will miss his “best mate” Dame Darcey Bussell on Strictly Come Dancing, but applauds her decision to quit to pursue other dance projects.
The 54-year-old admitted he was “shocked” over her departure but rubbished rumours that she quit over pay or had fallen out with head judge Shirley Ballas, 58.
He said: “I think it has nothing to do with Shirley and nothing to do with anything except that Darcey’s decided it’s run its course. I think she wants to kick back and spend a bit more time on her charity stuff and also promoting ballet.”
Acid-tongued Craig joked that fellow judge Bruno Tonioli’s “flailing arms” might have played a part in the retired ballerina leaving the BBC One show after seven years.
He said: “Bruno’s theatricals annoy everyone darling, not just Darcey. That’s why I sit as far away from him as possible.” While wishing her well for the future, Craig added: “I’m shocked as well because she was one of my best mates, especially on the tour. We had such a fantastic time. I’m really going to miss her.”
He said he had contacted Darcey, 49, from Australia where he is working on Dancing With The Stars. He said: “I’ve sent her a private message – unlike everyone else who sends their condolences as though she’s dead. Which makes me laugh. She’s not died, she’s just left the show. She’s got a life to lead.
“She’s a Dame, she doesn’t need it. Darcey is a prima ballerina – we were really honoured to have her and that’s really important, that we had someone of her calibre on the show.”
As to Darcey’s replacement he said he would be quite happy for Anton du Beke to make the move.
He joked: “I just hope it’s someone nice. But it’ll probably be someone we haven’t even considered, like Simon Cowell.”