Anton Du Beke has revealed that early Strictly Come Dancing judging was "brutal", with Craig Revel Horwood's comments to contestants now seen as unacceptable on prime-time television.
The 60-year-old, who joined the show as a professional dancer before becoming a judge in 2021, reflects on the panel's evolution in his autobiography Steps in Time: The Moments that Made Me.
Judging panel changes over the years
Strictly launched in 2004 with judges Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, Arlene Phillips and Craig, who remains the only original panellist. He now sits alongside Anton, Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse.
Anton describes the early judging as "brutal", with Craig particularly standing out. He suggests that if Craig still spoke in that manner today, he would be "struck off".
Craig's harsh remarks recalled
Anton remembers Craig telling contestants they were "an embarrassment" to themselves and their family, emphasising these were direct statements aimed at "a real human being on national television".
"Can you imagine that now? As you can see when you go back and watch some of it, the effect it had on people, just destroyed by it, thank goodness we've all moved on," he added.
Anton maintains the Craig seen on screen differs from the man he knows behind the scenes, calling him "very clever" for crafting a distinctive judging persona, comparable to theatrical identities associated with Mrs Merton or Dame Edna.
Craig's own admission of change
Craig has previously acknowledged the shift, admitting he altered his approach after worrying about being branded a bully. He confessed some of his old remarks now seem "cutting" and "really harsh".
He also noted how the calibre of celebrity contestants has transformed the show dramatically, saying: "They're much more talented now that they used to be. Back then, we had snooker players and politicians, and it was pretty tough on people who couldn't dance."
"I was very direct. I do still say what's wrong, but you can wrap the truth in a nice way," he added.
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday at 6.25pm on BBC One.
