BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Craig Revel Horwood admits changing judging style over 'bullying' fears

Craig Revel Horwood has admitted to softening his notoriously sharp tongue on Strictly Come Dancing, expressing concern that his old critique style might now be viewed as bullying, risking him being "cancelled".

Speaking to Radio Times, the show's longest-serving judge said: "I have changed my style of judging," and acknowledged his past harshness: "I was really harsh 20 years ago. When I look back, I think, 'Ooh, that's cutting.'"

He noted the potential repercussions of such comments in today's climate, saying, "It would now be classed as bullying, and then I'd be cancelled."

However, he insists his change isn't due to "fear of being cancelled" but because he now thinks "more like a teacher than a judge". His feedback is now known for its gentleness, as he explained, "I used to be very direct" but now tries to "wrap the truth in a nice way."

This revelation comes amid various participants sharing their experiences on the BBC One dance competition. Amanda Abbington had previously raised issues with her 2023 partner, Giovanni Pernice who has consistently refuted the claims.

Following an investigation into Abbington's complaints, the BBC issued an apology, upholding some but not all of the grievances. Measures such as introducing chaperones during practice sessions have been taken in response to these events, reports OK!.

"Things have to change," Craig remarked, recognising the necessity for evolution during the cherished show's 20th-anniversary festivities. "These dancers are world champions they've been taught properly to win, and the only way you're going to achieve that is by someone driving you. That's embedded in their DNA, you can't just change that overnight."

"That's very different to a celebrity who's a novice coming in. Celebrities are sensitive because they're in the public domain. They've got reputations to protect and don't want to be seen looking stupid."

"So it's about having someone there in the room and guarding both the celebrity and the professional, and also encouraging the fact that it should be fun. They still need to be pushed, because we can't get away from the fact that dancing is hard, but it's a light entertainment programme as well."

Craig also disclosed his intention to compile all the negative comments and alleged death threats he has received over the years into a forthcoming book to "shame them".

Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer