CRAIG: I NICK STAGE STARS FROM COWELL

‘I must thank Simon for introducing me!’

STRICTLY judge Craig Revel Horwood has admitted he scouts The X Factor for talent to fill his West End musicals.

The theatre director casts an eye over fame-hungry wannabes on the rival channel despite being locked in a Saturday night ratings battle.

Choreographer Craig, outspoken star of the BBC celebrity dance contest, says he scours ITV’s talent show on catch-up.

Craig, 53, said: “I do watch

The X Factor. I do a lot of casting for my West End musicals on that show.

“It’s great for talent. I must thank Simon Cowell for introducing me to talented people.’’

Craig has been a Strictly judge since the show began in 2004.

Simon’s talent search was launched the same year and the two programmes have spent 14 years since scrapping for viewers.

Strictly is currently trouncing its rival every week. But that has not stopped Craig appreciating the talent show.

Around his Strictly appearances, he has helped craft a string of successful

West End musicals.

Craig has directed productions of Miss Saigon,

West Side Story, Sunset

Boulevard and the touring revival of Chess.

The former drag queen has also choreographed Calamity

Jane and Tommy Cooper –

Jus’ Like That.

The Star Says: Page 6 SCOUTING MISSION: Craig TALENT SUPREMO: Simon