Craig Revel Horwood Thought Strictly Come Dancing Would Last Just Three Weeks

Craig Revel Horwood has revealed that he and fellow judge Len Goodman initially expected Strictly Come Dancing to disappear from television almost as soon as it began. The BBC dance competition, which launched in 2004, has since become a fixture of Saturday-night viewing. In an interview with Radio Times, Craig recalled that he and Goodman, who died in 2023, gave the programme only a few weeks to prove itself. “We give it three weeks,” they told each other, according to Craig. He said they believed it would be taken off air after that short run, but the show went on to win over viewers. Craig has remained on the judging panel since the first series. He also shared his thoughts on the programme’s latest presenting line-up, praising Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe, as well as professional dancer Johannes Radebe. Craig described Emma as highly professional and said Josh brought plenty of humour. He welcomed having Johannes involved, noting that he is an accomplished dancer who can demonstrate the moves. The series has also introduced a change to its Halloween dance-off. Rather than the usual contest between two couples, three couples took part, and the judges had to decide who should leave. Craig said the altered format created a different atmosphere and added tension, and admitted that he enjoyed the challenge of judging who should go home. Meanwhile, viewers were waiting to learn whether Jaime Winstone would return to the competition after missing a live show with a torn abdominal muscle. The BBC had said she was advised by doctors to rest and would therefore sit out that weekend’s performance. Craig’s remarks about the show’s early prospects and the current series came as anticipation grew for the next Saturday-night instalment.