Strictly's Craig Revel Horwood Accuses Len Goodman Of 'Living In Dark Ages'

Daniel Welsh

Strictly Come Dancing star Craig Revel Horwood has accused Len Goodman of “living in the dark ages”, after the former Head Judge suggested the show had become “too sexy” in recent years.

In an interview with The Mirror earlier this month, Len admitted he thinks the show has gone through some big changes since he stepped down from the panel, and suggested they weren’t all for the better.

Calling for Strictly to go “back to its roots”, Len said: “It’s not only sex, I used to hate it even if a swing was involved and they were sitting on a swing. And props, going down on one knee, giving them a rose. Get on with it!”

Len on the Dancing With The Stars panel (Photo: Adam Rose via Getty Images)
Len on the Dancing With The Stars panel (Photo: Adam Rose via Getty Images)

However, Craig – who has never been one to bite his tongue – has hit back in his latest column for Best magazine.

“Former Head Judge Len Goodman has been lamenting the ‘old-school’ Strictly, saying there are too many props now, and too much sexiness,” Craig wrote. “I love it!

“Strictly has evolved – there are such beautiful stories within each dance. We’re not doing a ballroom and Latin competition, it’s an entertainment show.”

He added: “Len’s living in the Dark Ages. He’s forgotten his youth!”

Craig Revel Horwood (Photo: SOPA Images via Getty Images)
Craig Revel Horwood (Photo: SOPA Images via Getty Images)

Len recently weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding Strictly featuring same-sex couples in future series, which the BBC recently said they’d be “open” to including from next year.

Recalling judging same-sex competitions he’d judged in the past, Len said: “They were of a very high standard, terrific dancing actually. Somehow whilst you were judging it, you didn’t even notice.

“It wasn’t that one of the men was dressed in a frock or anything, it was done in a very tasteful way. So if it’s done in that way I think it would be okay. But that doesn’t change the fact I’m an old traditionalist.”

Five couples remain in the current series of Strictly, which will feature its annual Musicals Week extravaganza this weekend, and after Bruno Tonioli serenaded viewers in last week’s live show, it’s been revealed that Craig will be leading the professionals, celebrities and judges in a Hello Dolly!-inspired musical number on Saturday night.

MORE STRICTLY...

Len Goodman’s 'Rude' Response To Contestant’s High-Five On US Strictly Shocks Viewers

Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton Du Beke Is Up For Being Paired With A Male Partner: 'It’s Just Dancing, Isn’t It?'

AJ Pritchard Accuses Strictly Come Dancing Judges Of 'Underscoring' His Samba

Anton Du Beke Apologises After Racist Comment

Pro dancer Anton became embroiled in a scandal in 2009, when he used a racial slur to describe his partner, Laila Rouass, during an off-air conversation.<br /><br />While he later insisted that he'd only used the term "p**i" as backstage "banter" (*eyes roll wildly in head*), he did unreservedly apologise in a statement.
Pro dancer Anton became embroiled in a scandal in 2009, when he used a racial slur to describe his partner, Laila Rouass, during an off-air conversation.

While he later insisted that he'd only used the term "p**i" as backstage "banter" (*eyes roll wildly in head*), he did unreservedly apologise in a statement.

Brucie Rushes To Anton's Defence

Former Strictly host Sir Bruce Forsyth took a bit of heat himself after the racism scandal, when he insisted Anton hadn't done anything wrong.<br /><br />He said at the time: "We used to have a sense of humour about this. You go back 25, 30, 40 years and there has always been a bit of humour about the whole thing."<br /><br />Brucie was later forced to backtrack in a more official capacity, with a statement saying: "To be absolutely clear, the use of racially offensive language is never either funny or acceptable."<br /><br />Oh dear.
Former Strictly host Sir Bruce Forsyth took a bit of heat himself after the racism scandal, when he insisted Anton hadn't done anything wrong.

He said at the time: "We used to have a sense of humour about this. You go back 25, 30, 40 years and there has always been a bit of humour about the whole thing."

Brucie was later forced to backtrack in a more official capacity, with a statement saying: "To be absolutely clear, the use of racially offensive language is never either funny or acceptable."

Oh dear.

Arlene Phillips Gets The Chop

After five years on Strictly, Arlene was suddenly axed from the panel in 2009, when she was replaced by then-champion Alesha Dixon, 26 years her junior.<br /><br />The decision faced a huge backlash at the time, with many accusing the BBC of age discrimination, particularly when Harriet Harman even brought up the issue in the House of Commons.
After five years on Strictly, Arlene was suddenly axed from the panel in 2009, when she was replaced by then-champion Alesha Dixon, 26 years her junior.

The decision faced a huge backlash at the time, with many accusing the BBC of age discrimination, particularly when Harriet Harman even brought up the issue in the House of Commons.

Calls For Same-Sex Couples

In the last few years, Strictly has repeatedly faced calls to feature same-sex pairs in the competition, and while they've repeatedly said there were "no plans" to do so, the BBC recently admitted they had changed their stance.<br /><br />In 2018, much was made of a group performance from the show's professionals in which portions saw them teaming up in same-sex pairs. While some praised this as a step in the right direction, others branded it a "cop-out".
In the last few years, Strictly has repeatedly faced calls to feature same-sex pairs in the competition, and while they've repeatedly said there were "no plans" to do so, the BBC recently admitted they had changed their stance.

In 2018, much was made of a group performance from the show's professionals in which portions saw them teaming up in same-sex pairs. While some praised this as a step in the right direction, others branded it a "cop-out".

John Sergeant Dances Off The Show (Not Dragging Kristina Behind Him, Though)

John Sergeant was not a good dancer. Lovely man, we're sure. Very bright, very successful. Rubbish dancer.<br /><br />The judges knew it, he knew it and the public knew it - yet he stayed in the contest week after week.<br /><br />When more proficient dancers wound up being sent home over John each week, he eventually decided to step down from the contest, as die-hard Strictly fans grew angrier.<br /><br />He said: "The trouble is that there is now a real danger that I might win the competition. Even for me that would be a joke too far."
John Sergeant was not a good dancer. Lovely man, we're sure. Very bright, very successful. Rubbish dancer.

The judges knew it, he knew it and the public knew it - yet he stayed in the contest week after week.

When more proficient dancers wound up being sent home over John each week, he eventually decided to step down from the contest, as die-hard Strictly fans grew angrier.

He said: "The trouble is that there is now a real danger that I might win the competition. Even for me that would be a joke too far."

Anthony Ogogo And Oti Mabuse Make Race Observation

When Anthony Ogogo and Oti Mabuse became the second contestants eliminated in 2015, they both came out and suggested they stood less of a chance at winning because they were black.<br /><br />While Anthony said he was surprised the BBC chose not to "mix up" the minority contestants and professionals, Oti said: "It's no wonder that I got partnered with Anthony and that we got voted off second week, obviously people at the BBC don't want to see a black person win."<br /><br />She later retracted her statement, and was welcomed back on the show in 2016, where she was partnered with Danny Mac.
When Anthony Ogogo and Oti Mabuse became the second contestants eliminated in 2015, they both came out and suggested they stood less of a chance at winning because they were black.

While Anthony said he was surprised the BBC chose not to "mix up" the minority contestants and professionals, Oti said: "It's no wonder that I got partnered with Anthony and that we got voted off second week, obviously people at the BBC don't want to see a black person win."

She later retracted her statement, and was welcomed back on the show in 2016, where she was partnered with Danny Mac.

Ola Jordan Lays Into The Judges

Ola Jordan raised eyebrows when she suggested that pro dancers on Strictly weren't paid enough, particularly in comparison to the judges, who she accused of not knowing enough about ballroom.<br /><br />Bruno Tonioli had some harsh words for her in response, fuming: "Those are the terms of the negotiations. If you don’t like it, stop moaning and fuck off."
Ola Jordan raised eyebrows when she suggested that pro dancers on Strictly weren't paid enough, particularly in comparison to the judges, who she accused of not knowing enough about ballroom.

Bruno Tonioli had some harsh words for her in response, fuming: "Those are the terms of the negotiations. If you don’t like it, stop moaning and fuck off."

James Jordan Asks: 'Why Sack Me?'

Of course, Ola's husband James Jordan is the king of hitting out at Strictly, which he seems to do whenever the opportunity arises.<br /><br />He departed from the show in 2014, accusing bosses of firing him. When a tweet from the show said he'd be missed, he fired back simply: "So why sack me?"
Of course, Ola's husband James Jordan is the king of hitting out at Strictly, which he seems to do whenever the opportunity arises.

He departed from the show in 2014, accusing bosses of firing him. When a tweet from the show said he'd be missed, he fired back simply: "So why sack me?"

The Strictly 'Curse'

At this point, the so-called Strictly "curse" has become synonymous with the show, with a load of stars breaking up with their partners during or immediately after their time on the show, and a handful even getting together with their professional partner.<br /><br />From the 2018 final, for example, two of the celebrities are now dating their professional partners, while Ashley Roberts is also coupled up with Giovanni Pernice.
At this point, the so-called Strictly "curse" has become synonymous with the show, with a load of stars breaking up with their partners during or immediately after their time on the show, and a handful even getting together with their professional partner.

From the 2018 final, for example, two of the celebrities are now dating their professional partners, while Ashley Roberts is also coupled up with Giovanni Pernice.

Seann Walsh And Katya Jones Are Caught Kissing

Of course, the most famous example of the Strictly "curse" came in 2018, when Seann Walsh and Katya Jones were caught on camera kissing after a night out, despite them both being in relationships at the time.<br /><br />To make matters worse, Seann's then-girlfriend released a statement accusing him of gaslighting her, revealing the kiss had taken place on her birthday. Unsurprisingly, she dumped him there and then.<br /><br />Katya, meanwhile, was quick to insist that the indiscretion was not representative of her relationship with husband Neil Jones. Since then they've also announced their split, but dismissed claims that the Strictly scandal was anything to do with the break-up.
Of course, the most famous example of the Strictly "curse" came in 2018, when Seann Walsh and Katya Jones were caught on camera kissing after a night out, despite them both being in relationships at the time.

To make matters worse, Seann's then-girlfriend released a statement accusing him of gaslighting her, revealing the kiss had taken place on her birthday. Unsurprisingly, she dumped him there and then.

Katya, meanwhile, was quick to insist that the indiscretion was not representative of her relationship with husband Neil Jones. Since then they've also announced their split, but dismissed claims that the Strictly scandal was anything to do with the break-up.

Craig Revel Horwood On Kristina Rihanoff

On the subject of the 'curse', Kristina Rihanoff has some experience in that domain. She got together with Joe Calzaghe shortly after their time on the show, splitting in 2013.<br /><br />It was around this time that she was partnered with Ben Cohen, who would later become the father of her child.<br /><br />Judge Craig Revel Horwood later joked that Kristina was 'gutted' to be partnered with Daniel O'Donnell in 2015, adding: 'It was rather obvious she wasn’t going to get a hot, young celeb after everything that’s happened. <br /><br />"It’s natural to fall in love with your dance partner when you’re spending so much time together and Kristina managed it a few times!"<br /><br />Ouch.
On the subject of the 'curse', Kristina Rihanoff has some experience in that domain. She got together with Joe Calzaghe shortly after their time on the show, splitting in 2013.

It was around this time that she was partnered with Ben Cohen, who would later become the father of her child.

Judge Craig Revel Horwood later joked that Kristina was 'gutted' to be partnered with Daniel O'Donnell in 2015, adding: 'It was rather obvious she wasn’t going to get a hot, young celeb after everything that’s happened. 

"It’s natural to fall in love with your dance partner when you’re spending so much time together and Kristina managed it a few times!"

Ouch.

Jamelia Accuses The Show Of Favouring Peter Andre

After landing herself in a record five dance-offs, Jamelia made the rather surprising move of accusing the show of favouring Peter Andre, when she lost out to him in 2015.<br /><br />On Loose Women that week, she said: "It wasn’t until they re-recorded Pete’s standing ovation, I’d say that was the moment we knew we were going home."<br /><br />Like Maleficent at a christening, James Jordan also offered his take, suggesting Peter was being given an unfair advantage by opening or closing the show each week.
After landing herself in a record five dance-offs, Jamelia made the rather surprising move of accusing the show of favouring Peter Andre, when she lost out to him in 2015.

On Loose Women that week, she said: "It wasn’t until they re-recorded Pete’s standing ovation, I’d say that was the moment we knew we were going home."

Like Maleficent at a christening, James Jordan also offered his take, suggesting Peter was being given an unfair advantage by opening or closing the show each week.

Ola And Kristina's Sexy Calendars

It was reported while Ola Jordan and Kristina Rihanoff were still on the show, that 'Strictly' bosses were unhappy with their annual racy calendars, claiming they clashed with the show's family-friendly image.<br /><br />The accompanying image is one of the photos from Ola's calendar the year after. It's safe to say she was not here for that critique.
It was reported while Ola Jordan and Kristina Rihanoff were still on the show, that 'Strictly' bosses were unhappy with their annual racy calendars, claiming they clashed with the show's family-friendly image.

The accompanying image is one of the photos from Ola's calendar the year after. It's safe to say she was not here for that critique.

'Doping' Accusations

In April 2016, a London doctor alleged that he'd prescribed performance-enhancing drugs to a number of athletes, including two 'Strictly' pros.<br /><br />A 'Strictly' spokesperson later countered: "In the absence of any evidence or further information being presented to us, we will not be commenting."
In April 2016, a London doctor alleged that he'd prescribed performance-enhancing drugs to a number of athletes, including two 'Strictly' pros.

A 'Strictly' spokesperson later countered: "In the absence of any evidence or further information being presented to us, we will not be commenting."

Craig Revel Horwood Is Forced To Apologise Before The Series Has Even Begu

While Craig is known for his cutting remarks on the judging panel, we weren't expecting them to start before we'd even seen a single episode of the 2019 series.<br /><br />He made headlines when, during a taping of the pre-recorded series launch, he made a joke about Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton's romance that producers deemed so inappropriate he had to issue an apology.<br /><br />"I’m deeply sorry for the offence caused to Kevin and Stacey and everyone who works on the show," he said.<br /><br />"I recognise that what I said was hurtful, cruel and incredibly disrespectful. It was a huge error of judgment that I very much regret.”
While Craig is known for his cutting remarks on the judging panel, we weren't expecting them to start before we'd even seen a single episode of the 2019 series.

He made headlines when, during a taping of the pre-recorded series launch, he made a joke about Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton's romance that producers deemed so inappropriate he had to issue an apology.

"I’m deeply sorry for the offence caused to Kevin and Stacey and everyone who works on the show," he said.

"I recognise that what I said was hurtful, cruel and incredibly disrespectful. It was a huge error of judgment that I very much regret.”

Danny John-Jules Accuses Show Of 'Creating Stories' About Him

Red Dwarf star Danny John-Jules got off to a flying start on the series in 2018, but the wheels started to come off when reports emerged in the press accusing him of "bullying" his partner, Amy Dowden.<br /><br />Both Danny and Amy denied this was the case, with the actor accusing the journalists behind the claims of being racist.<br /><br />After leaving the show, he suggested there was a "vendetta" against him, later accusing the BBC of playing a part by "creating stories about him" for the press.<br /><br />The BBC was quick to dismiss this suggestion, insisting they were "categorically untrue". 
Red Dwarf star Danny John-Jules got off to a flying start on the series in 2018, but the wheels started to come off when reports emerged in the press accusing him of "bullying" his partner, Amy Dowden.

Both Danny and Amy denied this was the case, with the actor accusing the journalists behind the claims of being racist.

After leaving the show, he suggested there was a "vendetta" against him, later accusing the BBC of playing a part by "creating stories about him" for the press.

The BBC was quick to dismiss this suggestion, insisting they were "categorically untrue". 

Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.

Latest stories

  • Billboards appear in Scotland's largest cities urging Nicola Sturgeon to resign

    Billboards urging Nicola Sturgeon to "resign" appeared on Friday in Scotland's three largest cities after she indicated she would refuse to quit even if an inquiry found she broke the ministerial code in the Alex Salmond scandal. The "#ResignSturgeon" message appeared on electronic advertising boards in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen as part of a campaign by Unionist groups The Majority and Scotland Matters. It also featured on an aerial banner flown over the Scottish Parliament building and Edinburgh city centre, and later Glasgow city centre. The Majority said they represented "the silent majority" of Scots who are "angry and frustrated by Nicola Sturgeon’s shenanigans". Alan Sutherland from Scotland Matters said: "We call on the First Minister to do the right thing for Scotland: resign and let us focus on recovery from the pandemic. "She has done great damage to our country and Parliament’s reputation, here and abroad, by conducting an undignified, very public dispute with her former SNP colleague, while preventing the Salmond enquiry from seeing evidence that is crucial to a proper investigation."

  • Wales stabbing: Girl, 16, dies after several wounded in suspected knife attack

    Two men arrested and being treated in hospital

  • ‘I collided with the establishment’: Inside the Wallis and Edward TV interview that rocked the monarchy five decades before Meghan and Harry

    Harry and Meghan’s upcoming Oprah interview recalls the last time two royal exiles agreed to a televised sit down with the BBC in 1970

  • Biden says Indian-Americans ‘taking over’ US on call with Nasa project chief

    Indian-American scientist, Dr Swati Mohan, was the guidance and controls operations lead on the mission which successfully landed the newest rover, Perseverance

  • Vaccine shortage to shut down some centres next week and delay second-dose jabs

    Exclusive: Appointments to be cancelled and new slots unavailable in east Midlands, ahead of significant supply boost in following week

  • Gavin Williamson considering possibility of ‘five-term year’ as schools in England set to return

    Education secretary said government should ‘never be nervous’ about new ways of doing things

  • New variants ‘very unlikely’ to stop great British summer, expert claims

    Professor Sharon Peacock, who heads the Covid-19 Genomics UK scientific body, told The Times that the UK was geared up to “stay ahead” of the virus. “I think we have the capabilities to stay ahead by adapting vaccines and so I’m an optimist,” she told the paper.

  • Piers Morgan Blasts Meghan Markle’s Former Co-Star For 'Trashing' Royal Family

    "How dare you attack our Royal Family like this, you jumped-up little twerp."

  • Rules around outdoor mixing set to ease next week as Scotland ‘absolutely intent’ on hosting Euros at Hampden

    Nicola Sturgeon has expressed optimism that rules on outdoor meetings will soon be relaxed and Scottish football fans will be allowed into Hampden to watch the national team play in this summer's European Championships. Speaking as the number of daily Covid cases dropped to their lowest levels since September, the First Minister said she was keen "to get more potential to see loved ones" and would set out more details at Holyrood on Tuesday next week. Praising Scotland’s progress in driving down the spread of the virus, Ms Sturgeon announced 498 cases in the past 24 hours - the lowest daily total since September 27. She said there could be an announcement on "relatively minor, but important changes to the rules around our ability to meet people outdoors, and also on how young people are able to interact with friends outdoors". The Scottish Government's updated plan for moving out of lockdown says that a plan to allow four people from two households to meet outdoors is unlikely to begin before March 15, with the same date given for the resumption for non-contact, outdoor group sports for 12-17 year olds. Ms Sturgeon also said she was hopeful that she will be at Hampden to cheer on Scotland in Euro 2020, the team's first international tournament in 22 years. “I certainly hope so and nobody wants Scotland to lose the Euros and I don’t think we should be in the position right now of thinking that’s the case,” she said.

  • Ant Middleton accused of making ‘lewd and suggestive comments’ to SAS: Who Dares Wins crew members

    Four women came forward after he described his behaviour as ‘military banter’ on Good Morning Britain

  • WandaVision viewers notice ‘sinister’ Doctor Strange Easter egg in final scene

    Exciting detail gave many fans ‘goosebumps’

  • These Subtle Signs May Be Serious Indicators of a Heart Problem

    According to the CDC, one person in the United States dies of cardiovascular disease every 36 seconds

  • Most Americans disapprove of Biden immigration executive order, as nearly half want to keep border wall

    About 55 per cent of Americans oppose recent executive order related to deporting immigrants

  • Exclusive: Charity Commission reviewing Harry and Meghan's Sussex Royal organisation

    The Charity Commission is conducting a review of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's philanthropic organisation, The Telegraph can disclose. Well-placed sources have told The Telegraph the watchdog is examining how Sussex Royal was run and whether it complied with charity law. The "regulatory and compliance case" is understood to be looking at concerns about the charity before the royal couple decided to shut it down last July following their move to America. A Charity Commission spokesman said: "Our regulatory compliance case is ongoing. We cannot comment further." It came as the latest teaser clip was released from the couple's Oprah Winfrey interview, which is set to air in the US on Sunday night and on Monday in the UK. In it, the Duchess said it felt "liberating" to be able to speak and accused the Royal Family of effectively gagging her and taking away that choice.

  • Louise Redknapp 'shocked' at judgement amid Jamie split

    Louise and Jamie were married for 19 years.

  • Huge emergency response in Welsh town after major incident with 'number of casualties'

    Police have urged people to avoid Baglan Street in Treorchy, South Wales.

  • Covid vaccine side-effects up to three times more common in those who have had virus

    Vaccine side-effects are seen up to three times more often in people who have previously been infected with coronavirus, new figures show. The latest data from the King's College ZOE app, which has logged details from more than 700,000 vaccinations, found those with a prior infection were far more likely to report side-effects than people who have not had the virus. The difference between the two was particularly pronounced among those who had been given the Pfizer jab. More severe side-effects are often a sign of better immunity, and emerging research suggests just one dose of vaccine gives a similar protective effect to two doses in people who have had a previous infection. Experts have now started to question whether people with prior immunity from a natural infection need a second dose at all. The ZOE data shows that 12.2 per cent of people reported side-effects after their first Pfizer jab, but that jumped to 35.7 per cent of those with a previous infection. For the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab, 31.9 per cent of people reported symptoms following their first vaccine, rising to 52.7 per cent of those who had previously been diagnosed with diagnosed with the virus. Most people reported muscle aches, feeling groggy or headaches.

  • Donald Trump and Jared Kushner have barely spoken since leaving the White House: report

    It remains unclear whether the former president has given his son-in-law the boot from his political inner circle, or if the 40-year-old chose to take some time off himself

  • I’m a big Meghan fan — and even I’m losing patience

    In response to their upcoming interview with Oprah Winfrey, headlines are blaring, Twitter trolls are seething and Piers Morgan is frothing at the mouth. As the self-appointed chairwoman of the Meghan fan club, I always have and always will be rooting for her and Prince Harry. Marrying into the royal family has been tough for Meghan; she’s been criticised for everything from what colour she paints her nails to how often she rubs her pregnancy bump.

  • Coronavirus latest news: EU asks US for Oxford vaccine doses

    Travel permits to stop Easter holidays abroad Death rate back to normal as Covid infections fall by third in a week Vaccine side-effects more common in those who have had virus 'Patient X' who tested positive for Brazilian variant found Subscribe to The Telegraph for a month-long free trial The EU will urge the US to allow the export of millions of doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to Europe, it has emerged. The European Union also wants Washington to allow the free flow of vaccine ingredients for production, according to the Financial Times. "We trust that we can work together with the U.S. to ensure that vaccines produced or bottled in the U.S. for the fulfilment of vaccine producers' contractual obligations with the EU will be fully honoured,” the European Commission told the newspaper. This came after the commission and Italy blocked the shipment of AstraZeneca jabs to Australia as it tried to boost its vaccine rollout which has been behind that of nations like the UK. This follows months of issues around the EU and the Oxford vaccine, which saw the jab limited to under-65s by several European countries such as Germany, a move which it reversed this month. Follow the latest updates below.