Craig Revel Horwood has revealed that he and the late head judge Len Goodman initially believed Strictly Come Dancing would be taken off air within weeks of its launch, yet the show has remained a BBC staple for more than two decades.
The Saturday evening dance competition debuted in 2004 with Sir Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly presenting. More than 20 years later, the programme has undergone a shake-up, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe taking over as hosts following the departures of Tess and Claudia Winkleman.
Judges' Early Doubts
Speaking to the Radio Times, Craig, now 61, recalled the conversation he had with Len Goodman when the show first started.
"Len Goodman, bless him, and rest his soul, and I both said together, 'We give it three weeks'. We thought it would be off air after that. But it won the hearts and minds of the nation," Craig told the Radio Times.
Praise for New Hosts
Craig also discussed the new presenting team, expressing his enthusiasm for the current series.
"I'm really loving this new series of Strictly, and I love the new hosts. I think they provide an extra oomph of energy," he said.
"Josh is very funny, and Emma is the ultimate professional. And it's great that we've got JoJo upstairs, who can demonstrate a bit of dancing as well. He's the first host we've ever had who's an accomplished dancer."
Halloween Twist and Injury Update
This series introduced a fresh twist during the Halloween special when the dance-off featured three couples rather than two, with the judges required to vote for who they wished to eliminate rather than save. That saw the Emmerdale star and his partner Jowita Przytal axed following their Tango to Ghostbusters, reports Wales Online.
Craig admitted: "It was a very different atmosphere judging to send someone home, rather than save them. But when you're judging to send someone home, it adds tension. And I liked it!"
As anticipation builds ahead of the next live show on Saturday, November 14, viewers are questioning whether Jaime Winstone and her partner Carlos Gu will make their return. The duo were absent last week as Jaime, 41, recuperated from a torn abdominal muscle, yet no further update has emerged regarding her availability this weekend.
A BBC statement previously read: "Due to injury, Jaime Winstone has been advised by doctors to rest and, as a result, she will not dance in this weekend's Strictly Come Dancing. In line with the rules of the show, Jaime and Carlos will receive a bye through to next week when it is hoped they will be able to dance again. We wish Jaime the very best as she continues her recovery."
Jaime added: "I am absolutely devastated not to be dancing this weekend due to a torn abdominal muscle. I am in considerable pain, and my doctors have advised complete rest to give my body the best possible chance to heal."
Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The full interview with Craig Revel Horwood appears in this week's Radio Times.
