26 September 2023 , 14:24
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Craig Revel Horwood has issued a stark warning after spotting some “hugely competitive stars” in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up.
EastEnders star Bobby Brazier, former Emmerdale actor Adam Thomas, comedian Les Dennis, TV presenter Angela Scanlon, Channel 4 journalist Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Sherlock star Amanda Abbington and BBC icon Angela Rippon are among the famous faces taking to the dancefloor this year, as they compete of the coveted glitterball trophy. While some viewers have complained about the prior dance experience of some contestants, long-serving judge Craig has shared his concerns over the competitive nature of the celebrities as they head toward the first public vote and elimination.
Writing his Best column, the 58-year-old said he was looking forward to Saturday’s show, but revealed the contestants were anxiously awaiting the chop. “First elimination is this weekend - and there are serious jitters backstage. Nobody wants to go out first. As much as they downplay it, I think this year’s group is extremely competitive. I also believe if a celeb is very good early on, people forget to vote for them!” Craig wrote.
Craig is the longest serving judge on Strictly (BBC/Ray Burmiston)Last year, Loose Women host Kaye Adams was the first one eliminated, alongside her professional partner Kai Widdrington, and in 2021, fans were stunned when Nina Wadia and Neil Jones were voted off after impressing the judges with their samba and tango. In 2020, former Labour MP Jacqui Smith was eliminated first, with professional dance partner Anton Du Beke, in his final appearance paired up with a celebrity, as he joined the judging panel full-time.
Craig caused a stir with his comments during last Saturday’s show, as he gave feedback to current bookies’ favourite Bobby Brazier, who had just performed a beautiful foxtrot with Dianne Buswell to McFly’s tear-jerking ballad All About You. Receiving a score of 29, the EastEnders star impressed the judges, but Craig was disappointed with his posture, and gave him some eyebrow-raising feedback. “You do have the length of bone you see my darling, for ballroom. Long and lean. It all looks great. However you need to tuck your bottom under when you do this dance. Rise and fall would be the next thing to work on but I really liked your frame. I loved the storytelling. Absolutely fantastic, well done,” Craig said.
Helen Skelton looks all partied out as she takes selfies on boozy Strictly bash
He said this year's celebs were incredibly competitive (BBC Studios/Ray Burmiston)However, some fans were taken aback by Craig’s comments, and took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their surprise. “Craig:’ You have the length of bone, darling’. How do you know, Craig,” one quipped. “Leave Bobby's length of bone alone, Craig,” another joked. “Length of bone. Easy there Craig,” one commented. Former EastEnders star Nigel Harman topped the leaderboard over the weekend with an impressive 32, while comedian Les Dennis was at the bottom, earning just 16 points for his tango with partner Nancy Xu.