Craig Revel Horwood says the atmosphere behind the scenes of Strictly Come Dancing has changed since Nigel Harman was forced to bow out with an injury.
The 58-year-old judge has been casting his critical eye on the show couples since Strictly first launched way back in 2004. And the 2023 season has certainly been dramatic – with shock result show votes and not one, but two stars being forced to quit the season early.
First actress Amanda Abbington, 51, and her partner Giovanni Pernice, 33, were forced to exit on medical grounds, and then, last weekend, 50-year-old Nigel broke one of his ribs in rehearsals – meaning his Glitterball Trophy dreams were shattered alongside those of dance partner Katya Jones, 34. Now the grand finale is less than two weeks away and the atmosphere behind-the-scenes is said to be taking on a quiet, yet competitive, edge.
Craig has explained that show hosts Claudia Winkelman, 51, and Tess Daly, 54, are working hard to help calm the nerves of the remaining contestants; who are actor Layton Williams, 29, and dancer Nikita Kuzmin, 25, Ellie Leach, 22, and Vito Coppola, 31, Annabel Croft, 57, and Johannes Radebe, 36, and Bobby Brazier, 20, and Dianne Buswell, 34. The semi finals are this weekend and whoever remains after the results show on Sunday will be in with a chance of winning the contest.
Opening up to Best Magazine, Craig described the changing atmosphere, saying: “Claudia’s like The Mothership right now, making the celebs laugh and giving out hugs. Tess, too – but she’s more calming. They work well to prepare the nervous couples before they go on. It’s also gone quiet, backstage – there aren’t many pairs left, everyone’s focused on the prize.”
His comments on the change in mood come after reports claim some Strictly staff members were 'relived' Nigel had dropped out early. Reports have suggested the actor took his role on the show incredibly seriously – so didn’t react well to low scores or harsh critiques.
A show source downplayed the suggestion of behind-the-scenes drama, however, saying: "It is always sad when a contestant leaves the show, particularly when an injury is sustained. Nigel will be well missed by those who have worked alongside him on the show and everyone wishes him the very best and looks forward to seeing him at the final on Saturday 16th December."
Nigel himself explained he had enjoyed himself on Strictly immensely and was sad to see his time end early. Speaking on the show following his injury, the former EastEnders star said: “I was leaping off a rostrum and was about to be caught by some very handsome men and as I flew, I ‘Peter Panned’ as I landed and I was in A&E. So I’ve done something to my rib, basically and it’s quite painful. I’m a little bit high on painkillers as well, but I’m having a lovely time.”
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