Craig Revel Horwood has always been Strictly Come Dancing’s resident “villain”, having been on the judging panel since the first series in 2004.
However, as the show turned 20 this year, many have criticised the 59-year-old for having gone “softer” in the last few years.
The judge himself has acknowledged the change in his approach, alluding to the fact he’d probably be “cancelled” if he maintained the harshness he exhibited in the show’s early days.
While Revel Horwood is not one to mince his words while giving feedback, he has recently ended all of his comments with a positive spin and a smile.
His remarks still elicit jeers and “boos” from the audience, as has been the case since the first series, but it seems his criticisms aren’t as harsh as they once were – which has divided fans.
Speaking exclusively to GB News on behalf of SlotsCalendar, 2016 Strictly winner Ore Oduba gave his thoughts on the matter, defending Revel Horwood over the negative response.
Joanne Clifton and Ore Oduba won BBC Strictly in 2016
BBC
“He can’t win! Too mean, too nice,” the 39-year-old argued.
Noting how long the show has been running, the TV presenter observed: “We love to put people in boxes – you’re the bad guy, the one we love to hate – and he loves to play that character.
“I mean, he is in panto right now I’m sure doing exactly that actually. He is one of the sweetest hearts that you’ll meet, and a very talented man and director.
“So, no, after 20 years, I think people are going to evolve.”
BBC Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood has been criticised recently for his ‘change’ in approach
BBC
Applauding the judge, he went on: “He wants things to be precise. And no surprise, when you’ve got people who are complete novices, that is not going to happen on a regular basis.
“So he doesn’t fluctuate from his core values. That’s the same.
“Other people have thoughts and opinions, but to not think people are going to change over 20 years, you’re living in a comic book!”
It comes after viewers and other former stars of the beloved series have been quick to note the “change” in choreographer Revel Horwood, accusing him of “appeasing” a “woke” audience.
Speaking exclusively to GB News through Jackpotjoy last month, former Strictly favourite Vincent Simone, who left the series in 2012, became one of the latest to voice his doubts about Revel Horwood’s new tactic.
Throwing support over the judge’s once-brutally honest ways, the 45-year-old commented: “To be honest, now that I think about it, it’s one thing that I spotted for years.
“Every time Craig judges a couple, it starts with, ‘Lumpy, blah, blah, stumpy… But I loved it!’ And then the score doesn’t match the bad comments.
“It’s one thing that he’s always been renowned for, but I love it. I love the fact that he does say the truth, sometimes over exaggerating on some of the comments negatively.”
Revel Horwood himself recently addressed his new approach, admitting he has “changed” his style of judging.
Speaking to RadioTimes, he explained: “I have changed my style of judging. It was really harsh 20 years ago. When I look back, I think, ‘Ooh, that’s cutting.’ It would now be classed as bullying, and then I’d be cancelled.
“It’s not fear of being cancelled. It’s just, how can I reach out to them and help them to improve, rather than just saying, ‘This is wrong, that’s wrong.’ I’m thinking more like a teacher.”
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