He's famous as Strictly Come Dancing's most critical judge, but Craig Revel Horwood has revealed a surprisingly tender side in an exclusive interview, confessing his genuine affection for fellow judge Anton Du Beke.
Behind the 'Mr Nasty' persona
Craig Revel Horwood, who has been on the show since its 2004 inception and is its longest-serving judge, says his reputation for being mean is entirely unjust. "By telling the truth that some of the celebrities were awful, people decided I was Mr Naaaarsty," the 60-year-old explains. "I found that - and still find it - quite funny."
The judge, who will be in his element during Saturday night's live broadcast from the splendour of the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, remains inspired by the show that made him a household name. "Strictly continues to inspire me," he adds.
Unexpected friendship and career revelations
One of the most surprising revelations from the interview is Horwood's close friendship with fellow judge Anton Du Beke. "I really love him," confesses Horwood of their bond that thrives away from the cameras.
His often acerbic disclosures feature in his new book Revelations: Songs Boys Don't Sing, released this month as a celebration of his one-man tour earlier this year. With typical cheek, he says: "If you're holding this book, you've either seen the show, stumbled upon it while searching for a Mary Berry cookbook, or you're one of my exes checking to see if you've been mentioned."
Horwood admits it's somewhat surprising he ended up on Strictly, recalling his unconventional path to dance. "Somehow - in a household filled with dirty bikes, goats, and didgeridoos - I found my way to a ballet," he remembers. "I was a porky little kid. I was quite voluptuous, darling."
From West End to worldwide phenomenon
His dance career began properly when he took up jazz ballet on a friend's advice, eventually training in classical ballet, jazz, tap and modern. His first professional job came at 17 in an Australian production of West Side Story, which opened up a world of possibilities.
After being sacked on his first night at the world-famous Moulin Rouge in Paris over a row about duets, he didn't let the setback hold him back. In the UK, he found himself starring in both Cats and Miss Saigon simultaneously. "I was doing a matinee of Cats and then going over to Saigon, in the evening, or vice versa," he recalls. "I was very confused. I didn't know if was a GI or a pussy."
Perhaps his biggest career surprise has been the phenomenal success of Strictly. Recalling how he joined in 2004, he says: "I got the call and was told 'they are calling it Strictly Come Dancing. It's where celebrities learn to dance with professional dancers in three weeks.' I said 'No, that will never work.'"
He initially dismissed the concept as "car crash television" and was too busy with his West End directorial debut to consider it. "I didn't think anyone would watch it, but I mean, it's gone to 63 countries worldwide and is still huge. I mean, it's a little bit insane," he admits.
Looking ahead, Craig will soon be waltzing into a festive role as the Wicked Stepmother in Cinderella. "I absolutely love playing the villains because I think they're so much fun," he says. "I've played loads of wicked queens."
Craig Revel Horwood's new book Revelations: Songs Boys Don't Sing is available to order now priced £39.95 from A Way With Media.
