Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has spoken out about being 'misunderstood' due to his reputation as the show's toughest critic. The 59-year-old, originally from Melbourne but now based in London, is known for setting high standards for celebrity contestants.
This season, he continued his tough-love approach, playfully sparring with eventual winner Chris McCausland. However, during the grand finale, Craig awarded Chris his first ever score of 10 after a heartfelt rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone'.
Speaking on Kate Thornton's White Wine Question Time podcast, Craig defended his critical comments, explaining that the show's format forces him to be concise. 'I get obviously misunderstood on a programme like Strictly Come Dancing. I think only because I have 10 seconds to say what's wrong with the dance,' he said.
He added that his actual coaching style is much more supportive, saying: 'If I was to love, nurture, embrace, then I could show my true self.' Craig also revealed his philosophy on nurturing talent, stating he does not believe in threats or harsh tactics to get the best out of people.
In the final, Craig delivered a touching poem to Chris, the show's first blind contestant, which left fans in awe. The judge recited: 'In a world of darkness, you've learnt to dance and slay... And Chris, you're a light that shines for all to see.' Overwhelmed, Chris invited Craig for a hug on the dance floor.
