Craig Revel Horwood makes feelings clear on BBC Strictly future as he makes dig at cancel culture

However, Horwood cheekily added a caveat to his long-term commitment: "And if I haven't been cancelled before then!"

The judge, known for his biting critiques and panto villain persona, has been a fixture on the show since its inception 20 years ago.

His remarks come as he approaches his 60th birthday, reflecting on his enduring passion for dance and music.

Horwood's longevity on Strictly Come Dancing is significant, as he remains the sole original judge from the show's debut in 2004.

He initially shared the panel with the late Len Goodman, Arlene Phillips, and Bruno Tonioli, all of whom have since departed.

Reflecting on his two-decade tenure, Horwood continued to The Mirror: "No, I haven't changed - I have softened up a bit but I suppose the dancing has gotten a lot better."

He added candidly: "When we first started 20 years ago, of course the dancing wasn't particularly good at all."

At 39, Horwood began his Strictly journey, and now, as he approaches 60, he shows no signs of slowing down.

His enduring presence on the show has cemented his status as a beloved, if feared, fixture in British television.

While Horwood remains committed to Strictly, he's not limiting his future aspirations. He went on to tell the publication about his passion for directing, stating: "I love directing musicals, I would love to direct TV and film. I have choreographed movies like Paddington 2, for instance, which I really loved."

The judge emphasised he has no plans to slow down, quipping: "I'm not just going to retire and just weed the garden."

Horwood's diverse career includes Olivier nominations and penning three autobiographies. He's even had the honour of dancing with Queen Camilla in 2009.

Despite his busy schedule, which includes a 53-date UK tour, Horwood is looking ahead. He expressed interest in visiting Japan during cherry blossom season and exploring India, demonstrating his enthusiasm for new experiences beyond the Strictly ballroom.

Revel Horwood recently stirred controversy with his criticism of Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał's Rumba routine on Strictly Come Dancing. During Saturday night's show, Horwood took issue with the couple's lifts, branding them "illegal".

He stated, "There were two lifts. One foot should remain on the floor at all times. Of course, a professional would be marked down for that. I think even a disqualification darling, because I think you should follow the rules."

The judge's harsh feedback was reflected in his scoring, as he awarded the couple a mere four points.

This critique sparked backlash from viewers and contestants alike, highlighting the ongoing tension between strict adherence to dance rules and creative expression on the show.

Horwood's comments underscore his reputation for delivering uncompromising judgements, a trait that has defined his two-decade tenure on Strictly Come Dancing.

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Pete Wicks addressed the criticism on BBC's It Takes Two programme. He defended the decision to keep the lifts in their dance, stating: "I don't think we should get any blame for that. As far as I'm concerned, that's the dance so far that I've enjoyed the most, surprising."

Wicks elaborated on his experience, saying: "I felt like I was just dancing as me rather than trying to remember steps, that's the first time I've done that. I was just going with it and felt like I wasn't trying to just dance without thinking about it. That's why we did it, it felt right."

His comments highlight the tension between technical rules and artistic expression on Strictly Come Dancing.

The controversy underscores the ongoing debate about the balance between strict adherence to dance regulations and the emotional impact of performances on the popular BBC show.