Amy Dowden has revealed what Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood is really like away from the cameras, describing him as the "loveliest, nicest person" despite his famously blunt on-screen critiques.
Speaking to Lewis Nicholls on The Lewis Nicholls Show, the Welsh professional dancer opened up about her relationship with the judging panel and explained why Craig's on-screen persona does not necessarily reflect his personality away from the ballroom.
Defending the critical judge
Asked about the panel, Amy was quick to defend the notoriously critical judge, who has become a familiar face on the BBC competition.
"He's honest though, I love it. He's, and off stage, he is the loveliest, nicest person. He puts that professional hat on when he's in that chair," she said.
Amy, 36, added that there was a reason for Craig's uncompromising approach, suggesting there was always something contestants could improve upon. "And I think, yeah, you can always find something that someone needs to work on," she explained.
Thoughts on the judging panel
During the conversation, Lewis also reflected on Craig's distinctive reactions when awarding a perfect score, noting how his expression barely changes despite the excitement from the audience.
Amy went on to share her thoughts on the other members of the judging panel, including Anton Du Beke, who was a professional dancer before stepping into his current role. "Yeah, absolutely. And he was part of the pro lineup when I obviously joined for a few years before he took that step up as a judge. And I've known Shirley for years," she said.
She also had plenty of praise for head judge Shirley Ballas and fellow judge Motsi Mabuse, highlighting the qualities they each bring to the show. "She's amazing, and she's like, she is the queen of Latin. And Motsi, her abundance of energy and charisma, it's just brilliant," Amy added.
Health challenges and return to Strictly
The comments come as Amy continues her return to the BBC competition after facing significant health challenges in recent years.
The 36-year-old was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and has since been given the reassuring news that there is no evidence of disease. She returned to Strictly, where she has competed alongside celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton.
However, Amy still manages Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition she was diagnosed with at the age of 19 following years of severe pain, vomiting, exhaustion and repeated hospital admissions.
Speaking on the podcast, she also reflected on the distressing battle to get answers about her symptoms, recalling how one doctor suspected she had an eating disorder and told her to "go and eat a Mars bar".
Amy's family were left devastated by the lack of support, with her father eventually threatening legal action after she spent six weeks in hospital without receiving a diagnosis. She was ultimately transferred to University College London, where a consultant suspected Crohn's disease after listening to her symptoms.
Looking back, Amy said the experience of undergoing years of medical tests and hospital treatment also helped prepare her for the challenges of her cancer diagnosis.
