Craig Revel Horwood concedes 'it's a woke world' as he makes stance clear on BBC Strictly probe delays
Craig Revel Horwood has spoken out about the BBC Strictly investigation
BBC
Craig Revel Horwood has demanded the BBC release the findings of its current investigation into Strictly Come Dancing stars' conduct "sooner rather than later" as the new series edges towards its start date.
This year's series of Strictly has arguably been the most talked about ever ahead of its 20th-anniversary special and it's safe to say not for the right reasons.
Complaints made by Amanda Abbington - who quit the show early in 2023 - prompted a probe into Giovanni Pernice's conduct after she made claims of "threatening and abusive" behaviour, including one "of a sexual nature".
Pernice has vehemently refuted all of Abbington's claims but has lost his spot in the Strictly pro line-up.
Elsewhere, Graziano Di Prima was axed after admitting to kicking 2023 partner Zara McDermott while the likes of Janette Manrara, Anton Du Beke and many other Strictly stalwarts had their previous behaviour splashed across the tabloids.
Speculation remains rife as to what the investigation results will be but the Beeb has implemented several safeguarding measures, such as chaperones, to try and avoid any similar scandal in the near future.
Craig Revel Horwood will return to the 2024 series alongside Motsi Mabuse and his fellow judges
PA
Addressing how dancers will now have to adapt to the added layer of scrutiny, Revel Horwood admitted he too would have to alter his typical mean-spirited technique for risk of causing offence.
"We live in a woke world now, so editing yourself is the new thing," he told The Times. "You absolutely have to.
"I am just honest about the dance I see, but I now never talk about the contestants’ hair, their make-up and what they’re wearing."
Revel Horwood was also grilled on his take on the ongoing probe and the BBC's seeming slow response to the complaints raised.
Amanda Abbington made fresh bombshell claims about Giovanni Pernice in an interview with Channel 4
Channel 4He admitted: "This is what shocks me. At every rehearsal there is lighting and sound, a crew member, as well as the pro, celeb and a choreographer, so there’s a lot of people in those rooms. And they have windows too.
"I have no idea (why it's taking so long). That’s why I can’t wait for the investigation because it could be all blown out of proportion or it could be… anything.
"But we want the results sooner rather than later," he demanded before caveating that these sorts of incidents aren't exclusive to the Beeb.
He remarked: "It’s not just the BBC, though, is it? The BBC is in the public eye because of its public funding. ITV has the same issues."
Revel Horwood, who's been on the show since it began in 2004, will return to the judging panel in September to offer his newly-softened critique to this year's cast.
However, as if the investigation alone wasn't enough to heighten scrutiny on the show, the calibre of this year's celebrity line-up has also sparked controversy with diehard fans.
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This year's line-up consists of nine male celebrities while the female stars make up just six slots in the cast.
The BBC has defended the gender imbalance after facing complaints while others have branded the line-up the "worst ever" due to the standard of celebs signed up.
This year's full Strictly line-up is:
- Chris McCausland
- JB Gill
- Pete Wicks
- Wynne Evans
- Tom Dean
- Nick Knowles
- Shayne Ward
- Paul Merson
- Jamie Borthwick
- Punam Krishan
- Tasha Ghouri
- Montell Douglas
- Sam Quek
- Toyah Willcox
- Sarah Hadland
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