Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood slams 'demanding celebs' just weeks ahead of 20th-anniversary series
Craig Revel Horwood opened up on demanding celebrities
BBC
Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has opened up on what it is like to work with "demanding celebrities" and claimed he has worked with many who tend to "get on their high horse".
The BBC dance competition has been shrouded in controversy ahead of its 20th-anniversary launch after Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima were axed due to conduct complaints - leaving bosses to launch an internal investigation.
Pernice was accused by Amanda Abbington of "abuse" during their rehearsals and alluded to an incident of a "sexual nature" - with the 33-year-old vehemently denying all claims made against him.
After his axing, Di Prima admitted to an incident where he kicked partner and former Love Island star Zara McDermott, but denied the accusations that he "hit and spat" at the reality star - with reports emerging the Italian dancer is looking to sue the BBC.
In response to the controversy, the BBC was forced to introduce new procedures to protect the celebrity contestants in the upcoming series, including having a chaperone attend every rehearsal session.
One Strictly cast member who has had experience in dealing with difficult celebrities is Horwood, who is currently choreographing the theatre production of Now That’s What I Call a Musical.
Craig Revel Horwood is returning to the judging panel this year
BBC
Speaking to The Sun about some of his experiences, he claimed: "I’ve seen celebs grow demanding when they work in theatre. Certainly in the theatre, and that’s what I can talk about, the celebrities can get on their high horse and become demanding."
He also shared his views on these new measures and stressed that it’s crucial to protect everyone involved, including those in teaching roles, especially behind closed doors.
The 59-year-old pointed out that while professional performers must meet high standards, having chaperones present can help ensure fair treatment on both sides and explained: "When I’m teaching, for example, with the cast of Now That’s What I Call a Musical, it’s important to enforce a strict approach."
Horwood has been one of a few who has spoken out about the controversy and previously said during an appearance on BBC Radio Wales to presenter Lucy Owen: "I'm just finding out, like everybody else, through the press.
Amanda Abbington accused Giovanni Pernice of "abuse" during their time together
BBC
"For me, it’s a shock, and news to me, because the judges are never present at any of the teaching, we literally come in on a Saturday and just judge what we see before us.
"So we’re kept very, very separate from the rest of the company. For us, it’s complete news. Every day that I read about something I think, 'That can’t be right,' so I’ll wait and see what happens with the investigations, but certainly we have nothing to do with that."
Taking part in this year's show is DIY SOS star Nick Knowles, Olympic hockey champion Sam Quek, Love Island star Tasha Ghouri, Gladiators star Montell Douglas, Olympic swimmer Tom Dean, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick and Miranda star Sarah Hadland.
Also joining the Strictly family is Singer Shayne Ward, The Only Way is Essex star Pete Wicks, TV doctor Punam Krishan, Singer Toyah Willcox, Singer Wynne Evans, JLS star JB Gill, and Comedian Chris McCausland.
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Graziano Di Prima admitted to kicking Zara McDermott once during their training
BBC
Sharing his thoughts on the line-up, he told The Sun: "Every year I get excited by Strictly and the line-up is always different, so it's like a whole new show for me. And I absolutely love it. I mean, why wouldn't I?
"I've been there for 20 years darling. Strictly is unique in the fact that it changes every year and it moves with the times. I mean, if you had asked me 15 years ago that we would have an influencer, I'd say, 'Well, what's one of them? And what does an influencer do?'.
"What is great about Strictly is it encompasses every community and embraces every community, and that should be championed. May it live long and prosper."