Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has launched a scathing attack on his fellow judges, claiming he is the only one that matters on the panel.
The 60-year-old, who has been with the BBC show for 21 years, sensationally declared that he alone was behind the programme's continuing success.
Speaking on the first night of his UK tour, Revelations: Songs Boys Don't Sing, the infamously catty star took aim at his co-stars Shirley Ballas, 64, Anton Du Beke, 58, and Motsi Mabuse, 43.
The veteran judge, known for his harsh critiques, is the only original judge remaining on the show since its inception in 2004.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
In his most outrageous remarks, Horwood dismissed former judges Len Goodman and Arlene Phillips, stating: "There is no other judge. I created it. They are either dead or have been sacked."
This comment referenced Goodman, who died in 2023 aged 78, and Phillips, 81, who was axed from the show in 2009.
Horwood appeared to relish his notoriety, adding: "I get booed heavily but I enjoy playing the villain."
The star even acknowledged his comments would generate headlines, joking: "We are going to be in the news. We need it as this is the beginning of the tour and we need to sell the tour."
It is not the first time Horwood has made controversial comments about his colleagues.
During a book tour in 2018, he accused Strictly host Tess Daly, 56, of asking "dull questions".
He also criticised head judge Shirley Ballas's appearance, saying: "I am not joking. Her boobs were... hanging out. It was not very, erm, Strictly."
The judge has previously clashed with the BBC over his third autobiography, which he was barred from calling "Strictly Confidential" because it used the show's name.
However, Horwood has previously admitted he had toned down his judging style in recent years.
"I was really harsh 20 years ago. When I look back, I think, 'Ooh, that's cutting'," he said.
"It would now be classed as bullying, and then I'd be cancelled."
The long-serving judge's comments come amid speculation about changes to the Strictly line-up for the 2025 season.
According to sources, several professional dancers may not return for the upcoming series.
A television insider told The Sun: "There could be a huge shake up."
Spaniard Gorka Marquez reportedly wants to spend more time with his family, disliking being away from his two young children for six months of filming.
Johannes Radebe has been inundated with lucrative work offers after becoming a "breakout star" while touring as the lead in Kinky Boots The Musical.
Ukrainian dancer Nadiya Bychkova, who split from fellow professional Kai Widdrington last summer, "hasn't lasted long in the competition in recent years".
None of these dancers participated in the recent Strictly tour, instead pursuing their own projects.
Find Out More...
The 60-year-old, who has been with the BBC show for 21 years, sensationally declared that he alone was behind the programme's continuing success.
Speaking on the first night of his UK tour, Revelations: Songs Boys Don't Sing, the infamously catty star took aim at his co-stars Shirley Ballas, 64, Anton Du Beke, 58, and Motsi Mabuse, 43.
The veteran judge, known for his harsh critiques, is the only original judge remaining on the show since its inception in 2004.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- Craig Revel Horwood embroiled in fiery war of words with former BBC Strictly pro over backlash to judging style
- Craig Revel Horwood admits 'I'd be cancelled' as he shares real reason for BBC Strictly judging change
- Craig Revel Horwood defended by BBC Strictly winner over change to harsh feedback amid cancel fears
In his most outrageous remarks, Horwood dismissed former judges Len Goodman and Arlene Phillips, stating: "There is no other judge. I created it. They are either dead or have been sacked."
This comment referenced Goodman, who died in 2023 aged 78, and Phillips, 81, who was axed from the show in 2009.
Horwood appeared to relish his notoriety, adding: "I get booed heavily but I enjoy playing the villain."
The star even acknowledged his comments would generate headlines, joking: "We are going to be in the news. We need it as this is the beginning of the tour and we need to sell the tour."
It is not the first time Horwood has made controversial comments about his colleagues.
During a book tour in 2018, he accused Strictly host Tess Daly, 56, of asking "dull questions".
He also criticised head judge Shirley Ballas's appearance, saying: "I am not joking. Her boobs were... hanging out. It was not very, erm, Strictly."
The judge has previously clashed with the BBC over his third autobiography, which he was barred from calling "Strictly Confidential" because it used the show's name.
However, Horwood has previously admitted he had toned down his judging style in recent years.
"I was really harsh 20 years ago. When I look back, I think, 'Ooh, that's cutting'," he said.
"It would now be classed as bullying, and then I'd be cancelled."
The long-serving judge's comments come amid speculation about changes to the Strictly line-up for the 2025 season.
According to sources, several professional dancers may not return for the upcoming series.
A television insider told The Sun: "There could be a huge shake up."
Spaniard Gorka Marquez reportedly wants to spend more time with his family, disliking being away from his two young children for six months of filming.
Johannes Radebe has been inundated with lucrative work offers after becoming a "breakout star" while touring as the lead in Kinky Boots The Musical.
Ukrainian dancer Nadiya Bychkova, who split from fellow professional Kai Widdrington last summer, "hasn't lasted long in the competition in recent years".
None of these dancers participated in the recent Strictly tour, instead pursuing their own projects.
Find Out More...