Strictly Come Dancing 2019 judge Craig Revel Horwood, 54, shared his thoughts on the latest episode of the show in a chat with Strictly: It Takes Two’s host Zoe Ball this evening. During the interview, the veteran judge was asked his thoughts about new judge judge Motsi Mabuse, 38, who sits alongside him on the panel.
“I love Motsi, she is great,” he began. “She speaks her mind, which I love, she’s direct and to the point, which I love.
“And also, she’s had nine years of experience, she’s very used to it, the TV cameras and the fact that we’re live doesn’t flummox her, and I think that is brilliant.”
He went on to say: “She’s just so driven and funny, next to me it’s great.”
“Thank goodness it’s not Bruno,” he concluded flippantly, referring to the latter’s dramatic actions when he critiques contestants.
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Jokingly wiping his face, he added: “I get a talon [on my face] occasionally.”
Craig, Motsi and Bruno also sit alongside head judge Shirley Ballas, who replaced Len Goodman in 2017.
Motsi, who is the sister of professional dancer Oti Mabuse, joined the show as Dame Darcey Bussell’s replacement this series.
In the same interview, Craig Revel Horwood addressed why hardly ever gives out a 10 to contestants on the show.
Zoe pointed out that the judge had only given a contestant a 10 before Blackpool to Debbie McGee in 2017.
“What’s it going to take? Will it come out this weekend? I don’t think it will, will it?” the host queried.
“It could happen anytime,” he added before swiftly shut down the idea.
He explained: “Only if it’s deserved, it really is.”
“My 10 is special and it has to be amazing,” he continued, referring to the routines he judges.
“Everything has to come together. I have to want to put my pen down or not even think about a critique.
“I have to be taken away with it and be dancing in my mind with them.
“If that happens, it will come,” he concluded.
Elsewhere, Motsi recently claimed Craig’s mean persona is all “an act” on the show.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, she said: “Yeah, it’s an act, he’s nice.”
On whether there is any tension amongst the judges she added: “There’s no tension, we’re friends, he’s great and he’s honest. I love that.”
Strictly Come Dancing continues this Saturday at 6.50pm on BBC One.
