Title: "Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood Addresses Fiery Friendship With Shirley Ballas After Tense Audition and Tour Swipes at Co-Stars"

This version clarifies the show’s full name, maintains key details (friendship dynamic, audition context, and tour remarks), and streamlines phrasing for conciseness.

Craig Revel Horwood’s Fiery Strictly Feuds and Reflections
By [Your Name], [Date]

Craig Revel Horwood’s sharp remarks about Strictly judges reignite focus on his turbulent bond with Shirley Ballas.

Craig Revel Horwood, Strictly’s notorious “villain” judge, has reignited tensions with co-stars while promoting his new tour, Revelations: Songs Boys Don’t Sing. The 60-year-old boasted about his role as the show’s harsh critic, claiming, “There is no other judge. I created it. They are either dead or have been sacked,” in a cheeky dig at former panelists like Len Goodman and Arlene Phillips.

Shirley Ballas’ Rocky Start

Shirley Ballas, who joined Strictly in 2017, faced a brutal first audition. Tasked with critiquing politician Ann Widdecombe’s infamous 2010 dance, Shirley froze under pressure. “I had no words,” she recalled. Craig allegedly quipped, “This week, darling,” leaving her flustered. After deeming her tryout “s**t,” Shirley aced a second audition, cementing her place on the panel.

Shirley’s audition struggles and on-screen clashes with Craig have defined their dynamic.

Clashes and Controversies

The duo’s sparring continued during the 2023 season. After Craig criticized contestant Jamie Borthwick’s “emotionless” rumba, Shirley snapped, “He’s got to start somewhere—it’s week two!” Their friction peaked in 2018 when Craig allegedly mocked Shirley’s appearance during her audition, joking about her “La BaZooKa” cleavage. Shirley, hurt by the remarks—which echoed past body-shaming from her ex-husband—confronted Craig, who later apologized and sent flowers.

Craig’s “Villain” Persona

Craig, the only original judge remaining since Strictly’s 2004 debut, takes pride in his blunt critiques. He dismissed former co-stars Len Goodman (who died in 2023) and Arlene Phillips (axed in 2009), cheekily crediting himself for the show’s success. “I enjoy playing the villain,” he told The Sun, admitting his jabs at colleagues are partly to boost tour ticket sales.

Craig’s tenure outlasted co-stars like Len Goodman, whom he called a “brilliant man” posthumously.

Grief Over Lost Friends

Craig recently mourned the deaths of Len and close friend Paul O’Grady, who died weeks apart in 2023. “It was a double whammy… a huge shock,” he shared on This Morning. Recalling Paul’s final words before his passing—“I’ll see you all in Southampton”—Craig fought tears while dedicating performances to him during their shared Annie tour.

Craig’s tour antics and candidness keep him in the spotlight amid Strictly drama.

Conclusion
From auditions to on-air spats, Craig’s journey on Strictly has been marked by controversy and camaraderie. As he tours the UK, his unapologetic persona ensures the spotlight stays firmly on him—and his ever-evolving feuds.

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