Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood slams ex judge Len Goodman as ‘living in the dark ages’ after he said show was ‘too sexy’
CRAIG Revel Horwood has slammed Len Goodman after he branded Strictly Come Dancing “too sexy”.
The 75-year-old wishes the show had kept its focus on the classic ballroom and Latin dances, revealing he’s not a fan of the couples’ choice that allows them to pick from other areas of the dance world.
But Craig has insisted Len is “living in the dark ages”.
Writing in his Best magazine column he said: “So, former Head Judge Len Goodman has been lamenting the ‘old-school’ Strictly, saying there are too many props now, and too much sexiness. I love it! Strictly has evolved – there are such beautiful stories within each dance.
“We’re not doing a ballroom and Latin competition, it’s an entertainment show.
Craig concluded: “Len’s living in the Dark Ages. He’s forgotten his youth!”
Len admitted he’s unhappy Strictly has focused on theatrics and sex nowadays rather than simple ballroom.
He previously said: “It’s not only sex, I used to hate it even if a swing was involved and they were sitting on a swing. And props, going down on one knee, giving them a rose. Get on with it!”
He added: “I remember somebody taking half the routine to get down the stairs. It was when Craig had a bad hip, and I said, ‘Craig would’ve got down quicker than you’.
“I don’t want to judge strange dancing. It wasn’t about technique or anything, it was all about the performance, and I didn’t want to judge just on performance.”
However the professional ballroom dancer – who has also been a judge on Dancing With The Stars in the US – told The Mirror that he acknowledges “everything has to develop”.
He said: “It’s like a plant. If you want it to thrive you have to prune it a bit and change it slightly to let it thrive.
“But you don’t pull a plant up and chop off the roots, you just tweak it slightly. A little tweaking I don’t mind, but I liked Strictly as it was.”
Len stepped down from his role as head judge on Dancing With The Stars on Monday.
Most read in TV & Showbiz
But despite his retirement, fans of Strictly have been calling for him to return to the hit BBC One show.
Following Catherine Tyldesley and Johannes Radebe’s shock exit as they were eliminated in favour of Mike Bushnell, viewers were left outraged and suggested this would have never happened if Len was still in charge.
“What the hell has happened to Strictly this year? I think we need Len back. No way this was the right result, Cath should have been saved,” shared one irate fan.
Another said: “There is no way Len would have voted that way.”
A third commented: “The judges on strictly need replacing ASAP. Bring back Len. Shambles of a show.”