Craig Revel Horwood’s Shocking Response to Strictly Come Dancing Allegations

Strictly Come Dancing star Craig Revel Horwood expressed his shock after learning about the recent allegations surrounding the show. Appearing on BBC Breakfast on Thursday, August 1, the 59-year-old Australian-British talent show judge discussed the matter with Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty.

“I was completely gobsmacked by the whole thing,” Craig said. “And of course, I found out with the press, because the judges are all kept very separate from all the participants and all the pros. The only time we ever see each other is when we’re impulsively going to the studio. You don’t really get an opportunity to know what happens in the rehearsal room, and that’s not part of our job.”

Craig then reflected on his own dance training and revealed that he used to be “caned” by his teacher. He told the presenters, “I remember that I had a Russian ballet teacher who used to have a cane, and she would whack us with it. Just so you’re not pulling up from the thigh, if you’re doing a développé, for instance, to make you engage your hamstrings. I mean, obviously that teaching would not be available today. Things have changed and come a long way in the 40 years since I trained.”

Craig added, “I think training everyone is different, and everyone’s been brought up differently as a dancer to train people. So I guess what they learn, they carry on into the training room. But I think it’s a good thing that the BBC is going to have people in there as well because they’re mediators as well, as per reports Wales Online.

“We have that in the theatre all the time, chaperones all the time, especially with children and younger people in the theatre. We’ve always had that. So I think it’s a good thing to have a third eye on the whole situation.”

The Strictly Come Dancing controversy began last year when Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington left the series. She later revealed she’d been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder following her time on the show with partner Giovanni Pernice. Giovanni exited the show earlier this year but has vowed to clear his name.

Amanda, among others, has since opened up about her alleged ordeal on the program, citing bullying of a “sexual nature.” You can read more about what she had to say here.

Additionally, Graziano Di Prima was dropped from the show for “gross misconduct” after footage of his treatment of his partner last year, Zara McDermott, was brought to the BBC’s attention. Graziano quickly broke his silence, apologizing for his behavior in a statement and expressing deep regret, adding that his “intense passion and determination to win might have affected his training regime.”