Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has weighed in on the ongoing scandal of the BBC show, admitting he’s “watched” the footage featuring Amanda Abbginton and Giovanni Pernice.
The 59-year-old previously said he was “shocked” by the controversies, and speaking on Friday morning, went on to explain he was “blown away” after watching the rehearsals tape which has been at the centre of Abbington’s legal case against Pernice.
Pernice, 33, has denied accusations of “abusive” behaviour towards the 53-year-old actress but has stepped away from Strictly.
The investigation prompted by Abbington’s claims has also seen Graziano Di Prima, 30, axed from the show.
Revel Horwood opened up on the controversy during an interview on Friday morning, with just weeks to go until the usual launch date of the show.
“When the story erupted and came out in the press I was shocked along with all other judges,” he told This Morning hosts Craig Doyle and Josie Gibson.
Craig Revel Horwood admitted he has seen the Strictly Come Dancing footage of Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice
BBC
He continued: “I couldn’t quite believe it because we meet the pros and the celebs on occasion throughout the show, but we’re very separate.”
On the BBC probe, which was scheduled to have wrapped up this week, the judge confessed: “I just want the investigation to be over so I can find out myself the truth – because I have nothing really to say.
“It’s really hard to pass judgement or comment, on, ‘He said this, she said that,’ it’s really difficult.”
He went on to add: “And of course, I’ve watched the Amanda tape and all that sort of stuff and I was just blown away by the whole situation.”
Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood opened up on the Strictly scandal
BBC
He was asked whether he was “surprised and shocked,” to which he answered: “Yeah, completely and utterly shocked by the whole situation.”
Gibson delved into the BBC’s response, asking Revel Horwood if he believed the broadcaster was taking “the necessary steps”.
“I really hope so for my sake and for the future of Strictly Come Dancing,” the choreographer replied.
The judge previously welcomed the BBC’s plans to introduce chaperones on the show.
Craig Revel Horwood welcomed the new measures to be taken by the BBC
BBC
“When I was in (musical) Annie we had chaperones everywhere, because of the kids and laws and all of that stuff,” he explained while speaking on BBC Radio Wales
“And I’ve noticed in the theatre world we have chaperones and people we can speak to if you’re having a down day.
“We have psychologists on the shows now and all of that, so I think it’s just a normal progression of what’s happening in life now.”
He concluded: “I think it’s good. I think it’s good to have that.”