Craig Revel Horwood
About
Craig Revel Horwood is best known as the acerbic judge on Strictly Come Dancing, where his sharp critiques and often reserved scores make him both feared and beloved by contestants. Despite his blunt judging style, he’s known as a warm and amiable person off-screen, endearing himself to fans with his wit and charm.
Theatre Career and Choreography
Horwood’s career in the theatre world is extensive and acclaimed. His West End credits include musicals like Spend Spend Spend and My One and Only, both of which earned him Laurence Olivier Award nominations for Best Choreography. He worked as an associate director and choreographer for West Side Story, assisted Bob Avian with Martin Guerre, and served as the resident director of Miss Saigon. In 2008, he directed a new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard, showcasing his talent for bringing grand musical productions to life.
Beyond London’s West End, Horwood’s choreography spans various regional productions. At the Chichester Festival Theatre, he choreographed Pal Joey, Arcadia, On the Razzle, and My One and Only. His other notable work includes Guys and Dolls in Sheffield, Anything Goes and South Pacific for Grange Park Opera, and Hot Mikado at the Watermill Theatre in Newbury.
In addition to his theatre work, Horwood has experience in large-scale event direction, including the Commonwealth Games opening ceremonies in Manchester. He also staged Once Upon a Time – The Life of Hans Christian Andersen, a live concert in Copenhagen marking the author’s bicentenary.
Television and Entertainment
Horwood has become a fixture on Strictly Come Dancing, where a perfect score or praise from him is a rare and sought-after reward. In 2005, he joined the judging panel for Comic Relief Does Fame Academy, adding to his repertoire of TV appearances. Known for his high standards and unfiltered feedback, Horwood’s critiques are always anticipated by both contestants and viewers.
In addition to Strictly, he has made various guest appearances on television, including stints on Daily Cooks Challenge (2010), Would I Lie to You? (2010), Celebrity Juice (2011), Ask Rhod Gilbert (2011), and The Magicians (2012).
Advocacy and Charitable Work
Horwood is a dedicated patron of the National Osteoporosis Society, where he helps raise awareness around osteoporosis and bone health. His commitment to health advocacy reflects his passion for causes beyond entertainment.
With his razor-sharp critiques on Strictly Come Dancing and his impressive theatre credentials, Craig Revel Horwood is a respected figure in both the entertainment and theatre worlds—darlings, whether loved or feared!