Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has described the long-running BBC show as “panto-esque” and revealed he does his own makeup before appearing on screen.
The 61-year-old made his observations during an interview at Cheltenham Literature Festival, where he discussed his new book, The Book Of Panto, published by Faber & Faber.
Strictly's community appeal
Speaking about the show, he said: “Strictly I suppose is panto-esque. We have cheering and people shouting and that is good. What is great is it has a sense of humour and it is on TV but it includes people at home from 3 to 93 and there are not many live shows that do that.”
He added: “And certainly there are not many things on TV that creates the same community values and the wokeness is great because it brings in everyone and I think that is great. And the more they keep changing up panto and making it current the better it is.”
A changed view on pantomime
Craig also insisted he used to be “naive” and a “bit of a snob” when it came to pantomime before being won over after watching some in the UK and then starring in them too.
He now believes they are a crucial part of the theatre ecosystem both for the financial boost they give and because they help get children away from screens for a couple of hours in the festive period.
Doing his own makeup
Meanwhile, Craig also made a surprising admission about Strictly - he does his own makeup. He explained: “I have always done that, I think most normal actors are aware of that. You are trained to do your own makeup. I was amazed when I went into television that you could sit in a chair and someone else does it.”
He added: “I have resorted on Strictly for instance to doing my own. I just prefer it, I don't like all the fuss, no bother, I don't like all the knocks on the door. I sit quietly and read a book and take my mind off everything so I can go out and judge seriously in that way.”
Everyone can dance
Craig will be back on screen this weekend on Strictly and insists anyone could be a good dancer. He said: “Everyone can dance, I believe that. It doesn’t matter if you have a disability, it doesn’t matter who you are in society.
“Dance has been around for millions of years, birds do it to mate, caveman dancing around fire for fertility. People communicating with their bodies before they could talk. Dance has been around forever.
“As much as people say they have two left feet they are scared of making a fool of themselves, you should dance like no one’s watching, and people do at weddings.”
Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
