Strictly Come Dancing 2018: Craig Revel-Horwood lets slip he's been ‘lying' about THIS
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2018 judge Craig Revel-Horwood has admitted he has “lied through his teeth” about the quality of dancing on the BBC show.
Strictly: Craig admits the contestants ‘aren’t improving’
Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel-Horwood, 53, said he was “excited” about this year’s contestants but revealed he had dodged the truth about dance abilities in previous series.
Speaking to Zoe Ball on Strictly: It Takes Two, he said: “I have to say, it's a fantastic group this year, really good. I'm very, very, genuinely excited.
“I know I've said that before, but I've lied through my teeth.
“But this year I really am (excited), and it's full of surprises."
I know I've said that before, but I've lied through my teeth.
Craig also insisted head judge Shirley Ballas, 53, has been judging too harshly so early on in the competition.
Speaking of Ashley Robert’s routine of the Cha Cha Cha last week, he added: “It was technically really good, I loved her and her energy.
"Obviously Shirley is going to put her mark on it, and be judging like a professional, but I think it's still too early in the competition to be that harsh.
“I know that sounds odd coming from me, but if you're comparing everybody, she's absolutely amazing and that's why she deserved an eight."
Ashley, 37, and her dance partner Pasha Kovalev danced the energetic routine to Boogie Wonderland and earned a combined score of 32 points.
On the night, Craig told her: “You are good, darling.”
Shirley added: "I think I'm holding you to high standards.
“There are moments where you understand the leg action, but I would like, from somebody like you, a much straighter standing leg so you have consistency for better flow."
Tonight, Craig said he “regrets” giving Ashley such a high score.
He told Zoe: “Too much. I got carried away.”
This week, the remaining contestants will compete against each other for movie week.
Revealing his excitement for the theme, Craig said: “They have huge, large, massive, wonderful themes that appeal to my needs.”
Viewers will see Ashley and Pasha perform the Salsa to Dirty Dancing’s soundtrack I’ve Had The Time Of My Life.
Other performances will include Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton’s Jive to Pharrell Williams’ hit Happy and Faye Tozer and Giovanni Pernice performing the Quickstep to You're the One That I Want from hit movie Grease.
Strictly Come Dancing continues tomorrow at 6.30pm on BBC One.
Strictly: It Takes Two airs Monday at 6.30pm on BBC Two.