Strictly Come Dancing's Craig Revel Horwood harshly refuses to back down in Pete Wicks row

Craig Revel Horwood
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood had a blunt response to the backlash he's received after calling for Pete Wicks to be disqualified from a routine.

The judge criticised The Only Way is Essex star Pete and professional Jowita Przystal after they performed two lifts during their Rumba to Don’t Look Back in Anger by Oasis. Commenting after the performance, Craig said: "And, as for the lifts, that is totally illegal.

"There were two lifts. One foot should remain on the floor at all times. Of course, a professional would be marked down for that. I think even a disqualification darling, because I think you should follow the rules."

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Fellow judge Motsi Mabuse intervened and explained a celebrity would never be disqualified during Strictly. While Pete Wicks said “it felt right” to do the lifts.

Heat magazine asked Craig if he stood beside his calls for Pete and Jowita to be disqualified. He replied: “Of course!

Jowita and Pete Wicks on Strictly
Pete defended the dance with Jowita when they appeared on It Takes Two. -Credit:PA

“That will never happen though, will it? I don’t think we’ve ever really disqualified anyone, but at least we can mark them down if they do something illegal, so that’s sort of my point.”

Pete and Jowita’s Rumba received a four from Craig, and a total of 22 from the judges, placing them at 10th on the leaderboard. Pete, 36, ultimately wasn’t fazed by Craig’s criticism however.

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Speaking on companion show It Takes Two, he added: “I've never been one to follow the rules! Do I look like the sort of geezer who plays by the rules?"

Jowita also defended the routine, suggesting it allowed Pete to perform without being worried about the technicalities. She added: "It was all about the feelings and that storyline."

Judge Craig has now marked 20 years on Strictly Come Dancing, being part of the original line-up in 2004. Only fellow panellist Anton Du Beke has been on the show throughout its duration, alongside host Tess Daly, although the 58-year-old was originally competing as a professional.

Strictly Come Dancing returns at 6.35pm this evening on BBC One.