Craig Revel Horwood has spoken out once again about the ongoing Strictly scandal as he insisted professionals have to be strict to get top results.
The judge, who has been a part of the show since it began 20 years ago, said celebrities need to be able to take some criticism as he shared his fears that otherwise the show would become too ‘vanilla’.
Speaking to The Sun, the dancer and choreographer, 59, said: ‘I hope the standards don’t drop this year. When I’m teaching casts for shows in rehearsals, I still have to be quite strict. I think you have to be.’
Adding that being told to repeat a move isn’t something to cry about, he continued: ‘You just have to be able to take some criticism. Otherwise, we’re living in a world where no one is criticised, and it will become watered down and vanilla, where no one’s trying.’
Referring to his own experience training with his dance teachers he claimed he would never have had a successful career if it wasn’t for criticism.
Craig Revel Horwood has insisted the Strictly professionals MUST be strict with celebrities as he shared his fears the how ill become ‘vanilla’ as he weighs in on ongoing crisis
The dancer and choreographer, 59, said: ‘I hope the standards don’t drop this year. When I’m teaching casts for shows in rehearsals, I still have to be quite strict. I think you have to be’
He explained: ‘I never would have made it without criticism. If my teachers hadn’t told me my arms were terrible, way too loose and wild and out of control, I would still be wild and out of control.’
Reflecting on how his Russian ballet teacher would always touch his hamstring to make him ‘work from the hamstring up’, Craig explained that it was just their way of instructing the muscle on what to do.
He added that if the Strictly celebrities received the kind of training he did they would likely sue as he reckons some professional dancers need protecting from their famous partners on the show.
The Strictly scandal erupted in January when actress Amanda Abbington accused her professional partner Giovanni Pernice of abuse after she unexpectedly quit the show just five weeks in.
Sherlock actress Amanda, 50, a has made a series of accusations about Giovanni’s teaching methods and has described his behaviour as ‘unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean’. He strongly denies all of the claims.
In one interview, Amanda compared the dance show to ‘the trenches’ telling Channel 4 News that BBC producers had been left ‘horrified’ by clips that also allegedly exhibited ‘humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature’.
Then, in July, it emerged that Graziano Di Prima had been sacked from Strictly for ‘kicking’ his partner, Love Island star Zara McDermott.
Neither Giovanni and Graziano will return for the show’s 20th anniversary series next month as rehearsals get well under way.
He added that if the Strictly celebrities received the kind of training he did they would likely sue as he reckons some professional dancers need protecting from their famous partners on the show
The Strictly scandal erupted in January when actress Amanda Abbington accused her professional partner Giovanni Pernice of abuse after she unexpectedly quit the show just five weeks in
Then, in July, it emerged that Graziano Di Prima had been sacked from Strictly for ‘kicking’ his partner, Love Island star Zara McDermott
Last week Craig revealed he wants the BBC’s findings from their investigation into misconduct claims on the show to be published quickly.
Giving his thoughts on the ongoing bullying crisis he admitted he thought the introduction of chaperones was ‘a good idea’.
Craig told The Times: ‘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.’
But he added: ‘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.’
Craig explained that things had changed significantly since his dance training, where his teachers would strike their legs to yield better results, and opined that the introduction of chaperones would help ‘everyone feel protected’.
He said: ‘All I can say is, first, chaperones are a good idea. Second, thank goodness things have changed.
‘I had a Russian ballet teacher who used a cane to make us raise our legs higher. You couldn’t do that now.
‘A choreographer can’t even touch a dancer’s arm to put it in the correct place, but at least it means everyone feels protected.’
However, despite the controversy surrounding Strictly for the past few months, Craig insisted that the show would weather the storm.
He said: ‘It’s a wonderful show that’s in 61 countries. Yes, I want to know the results of the investigation – let’s see what issues need addressing. But let’s also not forget the absolute joy it brings.’
Graziano has since claimed he does not know the full particulars of what he is supposed to have done.
The BBC will not give further details due to the ‘confidential nature of the circumstances’ in which the information was provided and their ‘obligations’ to ‘third parties’.
Referring to his own experience training with his dance teachers he claimed he would never have had a successful career if it wasn’t for criticism (pictured with fellow judges Shirley Ballas; Motsi Mabuse and Anton du Beke)
This week it was reported that Amanda found BBC bosses line of questioning ‘highly offensive’ amid their misconduct probe.
It was reported that the actress has been quizzed for a second time about an illicit video shared with her by Giovannie as well as a ‘lewd remark’ he made about another celebrity contestant when the video was sent.
The dancer is also reported to have made a crude comment about a member of Amanda’s own family, only for her to ‘effectively be asked’ by BBC bosses whether the dancer meant the remark as light-hearted banter.
A source told The Sun: ‘[Amanda] found this line of questioning highly offensive.’
In regards to the alleged video they told the publication: ‘The BBC can’t ignore the fact the video was sent. There seems to be a trail of evidence’.
‘Even if it is established the footage was shared with innocent intentions, the BBC are concerned this could constitute a breach of conduct according to the contract handed to the pro dancers.’
A BBC spokesman said: ‘As we have said before, we will not be commenting on individuals or engaging in speculation’.
STRICTLY LINE-UP 2024
Chris McCausland
Age: 46
Profession: Comedian
Chris says: ‘If anybody out there is thinking – How the hell is he going to do that? – then rest assured that I am thinking exactly the same thing.’
Dr. Punam Krishan
Age: Unknown
Profession: GP and broadcaster
Punam says: ‘I have watched Strictly every year and it feels extra special that it’s the 20th year, I can’t believe I will be the one getting Strictly-fied.’
Toyah Willcox
Age: 66
Profession: Singer, actor, presenter
Toyah says: ‘I’m super excited and love this show. To be a part of it, the spray tan the glitter. Its a landmark year for me I came a pensioner, Glasto and now I get spray tans.’
Pete Wicks
Age: 36
Profession: Reality star
Pete says: ‘Dancing live in front of the nation every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying.’
Shayne Ward
Age: 39
Profession: Actor and singer
Shayne says: ‘I’m no stranger to live TV, but dancing Latin and Ballroom in front of millions is a whole new level.’
Tom Dean
Age: 24
Profession: Olympic medal winning swimmer
Tom says: ‘Now I can officially talk about how excited I am to get stuck into something new, meet some brilliant people and get dancing’
Nick Knowles
Age: 61
Profession: TV presenter
Nick says: ‘I am going to really go for it I will throw myself at it 100 per cent!’
JB Gill
Age: 37
Profession: Singer
JB says: ‘A lot of the ballroom styles are very alien to me – I didn’t do those dances growing up. I am not a trained dancer.’
Wynne Evans
Age: 52
Profession: Opera singer, presenter
Wynne says: ‘The stuff I’m nervous about is the ones that involve jumping, I don’t really want to do the jive, I’m nervous about that.
Tasha Ghouri
Age: 25
Profession: Model and reality star
Tasha says: ‘I’ve been watching the show since I was little – it’s a firm Ghouri family favourite – so this is a total dream come true.’
Sarah Hadland
Age: 53
Profession: Actress
Sarah says: ‘I feel particularly excited to be part of such an iconic show in its 20th year.’
Jamie Borthwick
Age: 30
Profession: EastEnders star
Jamie says: ‘I had a ball doing the Christmas special, so when I was asked to join it was the easiest yes!’
Sam Quek
Age: 35
Profession: Former GB hockey player and presenter
Sam says: ‘I am so relieved it is out there now it has been hard to keep a secret! The rumours were spreading and I had to lie! I am used to dancing on a girls night out but I will give it my all’
Paul Merson
Age: 56
Profession: Former footballer
Paul says: ‘I won’t worry about it until it starts but when it does I will be nervous – I have only danced three times in my life!’