Craig Revel Horwood on Strictly
TV

Craig Revel Horwood calls for Strictly to have transgender stars on future series

The Strictly star opened up about his love of Strictly and his hopes for the show's future

Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood has called for the show to have a transgender star competing on it next year.

The long-standing judge wants even more representation on the hit BBC show and believes “dance is a platform for anybody”.

What did Craig Revel Horwood say about having a transgender star on the show?

Craig Revel Horwood on Strictly
Craig wants a transgender star to appear on Strictly next year (Credit: BBC)

Speaking on Access All Areas on FUBAR Radio tonight, Craig gave his thoughts on how the BBC can improve Strictly Come Dancing‘s representation going forward.

“We could go down the transgender route,” the 56-year-old said. “I think dance is a platform for anybody no matter who you are or where you’re from.”

Read more: Strictly: AJ Odudu ‘looked on the brink of tears’ last weekend, claims expert

“Humans have been dancing since the cavemen were dancing around fires for fertility and rain,” he continued. “We’re social, we like dancing, we like celebrating and I think it’s time to do that.”

This year’s series of Strictly is its most inclusive yet. John Whaite and Johannes Radebe are the first male same-sex couple competing, and EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis is the show’s first deaf contestant.

What did Craig Revel Horwood say about this year’s contestants?

Craig Revel Horwood on Strictly results show
Craig Revel Horwood, who has been a judge on the show since 2004, says this year’s contestants have been unlike any other year’s (Credit: BBC)

“The celebrities this year have just been extraordinary and unlike any other year to be honest,” Craig Revel Horwood admitted.

The judge then revealed to Access All Areas host Bobby Norris who of this year’s contestants he liked the most as the show heads into the quarter-final stage.

“I love Rose, I love AJ [Odudu], I love John and Johannes,” he said. “I even love Dan [Walker].”

However, the judge admitted that he didn’t know what the outcome of the final is going to be.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing who the audience chooses to put through because I think it won’t be down to the judges this year,” he said.

“The judges are very equal now and there’s no one standing out that’s really terrible,” he added. Craig then went on to say that he believes it’s going to be a “really fine line” to see who wins.

What else did Craig have to say?

Craig revel horwood on strictly results show last sunday
The Strictly judge says he wouldn’t change his job on the show for “anything” (Credit: BBC)

Meanwhile, last month, Craig tested positive for COVID-19 and was forced to isolate during week nine – Musicals Week. Cynthia Erivo stood in for him that week.

However, clearly, absence makes the heart grow fonder for Craig, as he admitted missing out on the show caused him to discover a “whole new love for it”.

“When I’m at work I’m watching it to criticise, to see what’s wrong,” he explained to FUBAR Radio. “But when I was at home, it was completely different, I got sucked into their stories and it was just amazing.”

Read more: Strictly stars Rose and Giovanni admit secret mistake and fears of landing in bottom two

As the show races towards its thrilling conclusion, Craig Revel Horwood couldn’t stress enough how happy he was with his job.

“I’m really proud to be a part of it still and I absolutely love it. I wouldn’t change my Saturday job for anything,” he said.

Strictly Come Dancing’s Quarter-Final stage is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 6.40pm on Saturday, December 4. 

Strictly's Craig Revel Horwood Shares Which Celebrity He's Tipping To Win This Year's Show | LK

Head to our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyfix and let us know what you think of this story. 


Robert Emlyn Slater
Senior Writer