BBC Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood blasts co-stars

Craig is the only original judge remaining on the BBC dancing show, and started in 2004

Strictly Come Dancing star Craig Revel Horwood has launched a scathing attack on his fellow judges, declaring himself as the only judge of consequence.

The 60 year old star, who is the only remaining judge from its inception in 2004, hosts alongside Shirley Ballas, 64, Anton Du Beke, 58, and Motsi Mabuse, 43.

But he has said he is the sole reason for the show’s enduring popularity, The Sun reports.

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In a dismissive remark about original Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman and former judge Arlene Phillips, the sharp-tongued Craig stated: “There is no other judge. I created it. They are either dead or have been sacked.”

Embracing his role as the show’s antagonist, he continued: “I get booed heavily but I enjoy playing the villain.”

Craig, who has been with Strictly for 21 years, didn’t hold back during the opening night of his UK tour, Revelations: Songs Boys Don’t Sing.

Earning an estimated £200,000 annually from Strictly, Craig also criticised the BBC for forcing him to alter the title of his third autobiography.

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He said he was prohibited from naming Strictly Confidential due to the inclusion of ‘Strictly’, settling instead for In Strictest Confidence.

Previously, Craig confessed that he has softened his judging approach since it wouldn’t be acceptable in the current climate.

Reflecting on his past style, he shared: “I was really harsh 20 years ago. When I look back, I think, ‘Ooh, that’s cutting’.”

He acknowledged: “It would now be classed as bullying, and then I’d be cancelled.”

Craig trained as an acrobat for two years before he joined his sister in a jazz-ballet class.

He went on to land his first professional dance job in a production of West Side Story in Melbourne in 1983.

He then relocated to London to pursue a career on the West End.