Strictly Come Dancing's notoriously sharp-tongued judge, Craig Revel Horwood, has found himself in an uncharacteristic position: issuing a grovelling apology. The theatrical personality has expressed profound regret to Queen Camilla for a derogatory comment made over a decade ago.
The awkward situation arose when a video clip from Horwood's 2009 pantomime production of Jack and the Beanstalk resurfaced. In the performance, an actor portraying Prince Charles declared, "I'm going to marry a girl called Camilla... She looks like a donkey.'' Horwood, who directed and starred in the production, is now deeply embarrassed by the cheap shot.
A Heartfelt Regret
Speaking to The Independent, Horwood didn't mince words about his own past behaviour. "I feel terrible about it now, of course I do,'' he confessed. "It's awful... I would never say anything like that now. I have the utmost respect for the Queen.''
His apology extends beyond the Queen herself, acknowledging the potential hurt caused to the wider Royal Family and the public who hold them in high esteem.
From Pantomime Villain to Real-Life Remorse
The judge, famous for his pantomime villain persona on the hit BBC dance show, is keen to stress that the comment was a product of its time and the exaggerated nature of panto humour. However, he makes no excuses for it.
"I have been lucky enough to meet Camilla since and she is the most wonderful, amazing person,'' Horwood revealed, hoping his public contrition will help make amends for the long-forgotten joke.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that even throwaway lines from the stage can have a lasting legacy, and that today's news can easily resurrect the ghosts of performances past.
