Craig Revel Horwood, the renowned Strictly Come Dancing judge, unveiled a striking new facial hair style as he attended the glittering opening night of Avenue Q at London's Shaftesbury Theatre on Thursday. The 61-year-old television personality, who has traditionally favoured a clean-shaven appearance, proudly displayed a full, well-groomed moustache for the occasion.
A Dapper Appearance on the Red Carpet
Beaming with a radiant smile, Craig posed enthusiastically for photographers on the red carpet, exuding confidence in his sophisticated ensemble. He selected a sharp, tailored blazer which he combined with a crisp white floral-patterned shirt and a pair of elegant cream-coloured trousers. Adding a distinctive touch of flair, the choreographer accessorised his outfit with a stylish pearl necklace, completing a look that blended classic tailoring with contemporary flair.
At the prestigious West End event, Craig was warmly greeted by television personality Lizzie Cundy, who embraced him in a hearty hug amidst the flashbulbs and excitement. The musical comedy Avenue Q, which uniquely features a blend of puppets and human actors, has earned three prestigious Tony Awards and is scheduled to run at the theatre until August, drawing audiences with its witty and humorous performances.
Controversial Garden Plans Receive Approval
Craig's theatrical appearance comes shortly after he received official planning permission to construct an expansive luxury party terrace at his £2 million country mansion, located in the tranquil village of King's Cliffe, Northamptonshire. This decision was granted despite vocal objections from neighbours, who expressed significant concerns that his already lively garden gatherings could become excessively disruptive.
Neighbourhood Noise Concerns
Local residents raised alarms about potential disturbances, with one neighbour submitting a formal complaint to the council detailing existing issues. The letter stated, "There is already excessive noise heard from their garden when they regularly entertain." It further explained that the topography of the land, combined with tree lines along the river, amplifies sounds from the pool area, making conversations and party noise clearly audible to nearby homes.
The objection emphasised that raising the terrace without adequate noise reduction measures would worsen the situation, pleading, "We object to the raising of this area unless some noise reduction can be installed." The neighbour highlighted that without proper screening, "we will hear all noise from this area even more clearly," underscoring the tension between Craig's entertainment aspirations and the community's desire for peace.
Council Green Light for Renovations
Despite these protests, planners at North Northamptonshire Council reviewed the application and approved the scheme this month, concluding that it would not cause "unacceptable harm to neighbours." This ruling permits Craig and his partner, Jonathan Myring, aged 39, to proceed with their ambitious garden transformation at their 160-year-old rural residence.
The comprehensive renovation plans include not only the raised entertainment terrace, complete with a swim spa and hot tub, but also the installation of a new gravel driveway, the demolition of an existing garage to create a meadow, and the establishment of a dedicated recreational area. Notably, the new driveway will be situated in a flood zone, where there remains a residual risk of vehicles becoming stranded in vegetation during adverse weather conditions.
Lavish Property Details
Craig's sprawling property spans an impressive 2.2 acres and features picturesque elements such as a lake and a pond. Situated within a conservation area in the historic village of King's Cliffe, which dates back to the Domesday Book, the home represents a blend of rustic charm and modern luxury. The Australian-born dancer purchased the estate for £1.8 million in 2021, and following extensive renovation works, its current market value is estimated to be around £2 million, reflecting both its idyllic setting and the substantial improvements made.
