Craig Revel Horwood, a prominent personality on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, has recently made headlines with bold statements regarding his role and future on the show. Appearing on ITV's This Morning on March 19, 2025, the 60-year-old judge sent a clear message to those eyeing his position, declaring his unwavering commitment to remain a part of the beloved dancing competition.
"I’m not going to change that part. If they want my job, good luck at getting it darling because I ain’t going anywhere. I'm staying. I created it," Revel Horwood proclaimed. His remarks signal both confidence and determination, especially as he prepares for his upcoming UK tour, titled Revelations. The tour will kick off in April and comprises 53 dates, during which fans will have the opportunity to submit questions about his time on Strictly and other personal insights.
In an era when the landscape of reality television and competitive shows is evolving, Revel Horwood also reflected on how his judging style has adapted over the years. Traditionally known for his candid and sometimes brutal critiques, he acknowledged that the climate has shifted since Strictly first aired 20 years ago. "It's a sign of the times, 20 years ago when Strictly started you could pretty much say whatever you truly thought," he explained. "But that could be construed as abuse now. The celebrities are extremely famous for being absolutely incredible, but they're in the world of dance. My job is to be honest with them and tell them the truth."
Despite the growing trend of positive feedback from judges, some in the industry have suggested that this softness undermines genuine criticism. Ola Jordan, a former Strictly contestant from 2006 to 2015, recently voiced her concerns, indicating that the show could benefit from a fresh approach. She noted that although viewers might enjoy the positive commentary, many participants still require constructive feedback to improve their performances. "It is very samey and nice," Jordan opined. "With the judges, all the comments are really positive, but not everyone is good, so you've got to give some negative, constructive feedback."
As fans continue to debate the effectiveness of judging styles on Strictly, Revel Horwood stands firm in his resolve to strike a balance between honesty and encouragement. He highlighted the pressures of providing feedback in the current climate, stating, "You also have to second guess what people might misconstrue it as. You do have to mind your Ps and Qs, you can't swear. We don't talk about religion... I just talk about the dance. As soon as you start giving critique, you have to think are they going to take that too personally."
As the competitive dance scene evolves, Revel Horwood's perspective becomes particularly noteworthy. His candor and commitment to honesty—even if it may be perceived sometimes as harsh—has defined his career. His ability to adapt his style while standing firm on the core tenets of his critique could influence not only his future on Strictly but also set a precedent for judging practices in reality television at large.
Furthermore, as he embarks on his new theatre tour, Revel Horwood promises to share behind-the-scenes tales and insights during live discussions with fans. This venture into direct interaction could provide a fresh perspective on what really goes on within the glitz and glam of Strictly. He humorously hinted at wanting to delve into the personalities of his co-stars, including Shirley Ballas and the reasons behind Bruno Tonioli's departure from the show, which he teasingly mused may have been linked to financial reasons.
In an entertainment scene that thrives on change and dynamism, Craig Revel Horwood represents a steadfast figure, navigating through the delicate line of critique and encouragement. Only time will tell how his future on Strictly unfolds, but for now, he remains a key player and a beloved judge, ready to dazzle audiences both on television and in his live performances.
