AS Strictly Come Dancing’s pantomime villain, Craig Revel Horwood’s bark is often worse than his bite.
But when he snapped at Shirley Ballas during a heated exchange on Saturday night, behind the scenes tension between the pair appeared to surface.
Craig Revel Horwood wasn’t afraid to disagree with head judge Shirley Ballas[/caption]
The judges clashed on Saturday night[/caption]
It comes after a shake-up of the Strictly format saw Shirley’s deciding vote in the dance-off shared among all the judges.
The Sun told how this was to protect Shirley from horror trolls — and “spread the hate” across the panel.
However, insiders claim the power shift has seen Shirley regret giving up her role as head judge.
A source told The Sun: “The judges are all big characters with large egos so it’s no surprise tension can arise sometimes.
“Although Shirley is still technically the head judge, losing her power in the dance-off has caused a change in the power dynamic.
“On Saturday night’s show, Craig wasn’t afraid to call Shirley out – even in front of the celebrity guest judge Cynthia Erivo.
“It took Shirley aback as he doubled down despite her protests.
“She’s used to asserting authority over the others but Craig will always say what he really thinks. It made for an awkward watch.”
The judges clashed over contestant George Clarke and Shirley looked furious when Craig snapped at her.
She had praised YouTube star George’s routine as being “synchronised to perfection”.
Shirley added: “You were flying like an angel. It was unbelievable.”
However, Craig cut in telling Shirley: “I don’t agree with you. I think it was out of sync, a lot actually.”
Shirley snapped back: “From that end of the desk it might look one way but from this end of the desk, it looked bloody fabulous love.”
BBC insiders described the clash as friendly “on-air sparring” – adding Shirley and Craig are “complete professionals”.
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 lineup
Strictly Come Dancing news and the latest line up
- Nitro from Gladiators AKA Harry Aikines-Aryeetey will be using his athletic prowess to try to win over the judges.
- Doctor Who and ER star Alex Kingston will be adding some drama.
- Chris Robshaw, former Harlequins and England rugby captain will be tackling the dance floor.
- EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, who plays Suki Panesar, has moved from Walford to the ballroom.
- Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis has landed on the show from Down Under.
- George Clarke, a YouTube star, will also be showing off his moves.
- Love Island winner Amber Davies joined as a last minute replacement after Dani Dyer pulled out with injury.
- La Voix is the first drag star to join the main series
- Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink swaps is football boots for dancing shoes.
- Ellie Goldstein is the first contestant with Down’s Syndrome to take part.
- Thomas Skinner is swapping the boardroom for ballroom dancing – VOTED OFF FIRST
- I’m A Celeb winner Vicky Pattison has been announced.
- Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope was announced as the last contestant after Game Of Thrones star Kristian Nairn pulled out of the show before the launch date over medical reasons.
- Good Morning Britain host Ross King is swapping Hollywood for the ballroom – VOTED OFF SECOND
Since joining Strictly in 2017, Shirley has been accused of sexism, racism and even had death threats.
She almost quit five years in over concerns for her mental health.
Announcing a format shake-up on this year’s launch show, Shirley said: “For seven years, I have been responsible for one gruelling decision. But that’s about to change.”
Host Tess Daly confirmed viewers will decide who out of Shirley, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood it is.
Shirley was given the casting vote this week as she returned to her usual position of power.
A Strictly spokesman said: “This story is absolute nonsense. Our judges are all on great terms and, while the casting vote is now shared between them, Shirley remains Strictly Come Dancing’s Head Judge.”
