Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has been a firm fixture on the BBC show since it first launched in 2004, but he’s not afraid to speak his mind
Craig Revel Horwood had a tense relationship with a former professional dancer on the BBC show
Craig Revel Horwood had a significant falling out with former professional dancer Brendan Cole/
The outspoken judge of the BBC show isn’t shy about expressing his opinions, leading to a bitter feud with ex-star Brendan Cole.
The pair’s weekly on-screen spats were a hit with viewers, but over time, it reportedly escalated into a deep-seated “hatred”.
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While Craig continues to dish out his sharp critiques to contestants, much to the audience’s delight, Brendan has moved on.
He was a vital part of Strictly Come Dancing’s fabric and will be remembered as the first-ever professional to win the BBC show.
In the inaugural series, he clinched the Glitterball trophy alongside newsreader and presenter Natasha Kaplinsky.
After a 15-year stint on the show, Brendan decided to leave, but it seems unlikely that he’ll keep in touch with his adversary.
(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Craig and Brendan had several heated exchanges, reports the Mirror.
This animosity dates back to 2009 when Craig unkindly likened Jo Wood to “a bush kangaroo”, which greatly upset her dance partner Brendan.
Brendan defended Jo, who was visibly distressed by the comment, and comfortingly escorted her away.
Even Bruce Forsyth, the show’s former host, deemed the remark “too personal” at the time.
The duo’s barbs persisted until Brendan discovered his contract wouldn’t be extended in 2018.
The decision seemed to delight Craig, who declared the programme “will be better” without him.
Sharing his perspective, Craig suggested it was the star’s public outbursts that sealed his fate.
Speaking at the premiere of US rock legend Meatloaf’s Bat Out Of Hell musical in London’s West End previously, Craig remarked: “More fool him.
“The show’s done him wonders. It’s done us all wonders. It’s been fantastic. I would never complain about it.
“It’s given us all platforms on which to stand. How many dancers in their life get a job that will last 15 years? Not many. Be grateful.”
Despite earlier attempts to reconcile with the dancer, Craig candidly confessed to Kate Thornton: “We hated each other.”
Regarding this year’s contest, the pair maintain entirely opposing views.
Brendan recently revealed he takes issue with Craig’s remarks about this year’s likely champion. Craig was questioned about his preferences during the launch programme and the forthright judge proclaimed: “I can probably tell you who won’t win darling, but I think the ladies are quite strong this competition – well they look like that so far.”
However, Brendan later commented, in association with Sky Vegas: “I didn’t quite know what Craig Revel-Horwood was talking about there, because I don’t see anything majorly strong in the women, dance-ability wise. The strength I saw was in people like Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (Nitro) and, of course, Lewis Cope.”
