Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood’s off-camera behaviour exposed by co-star

0Craig Revel Horwood (Image: Getty)Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood is known for his brutally honest critiques and famously unimpressed facial expressions, but his behaviour away from the cameras tells a rather different story, according to one of the BBC show's professional dancers.

Amy Dowden has shared her thoughts on the judging panel, revealing what Craig is really like when he is not sitting behind the desk delivering his verdicts on the celebrity contestants.

Speaking to Lewis Nicholls on The Lewis Nicholls Show, the Welsh dancer opened up about her relationship with the judges and explained why Craig's on-screen persona is not necessarily a reflection of his personality away from the ballroom.

Asked about the panel, Amy was quick to defend the notoriously critical judge, who has become a familiar face on the BBC competition.

"He's honest though, I love it. He's, and off stage, he is the loveliest, nicest person. He puts that professional hat on when he's in that chair," she said.

Amy, 36, added that there was a reason for Craig's uncompromising approach, suggesting there was always something contestants could improve upon.

"And I think, yeah, you can always find something that someone needs to work on," she explained.

During the conversation, Lewis also reflected on Craig's distinctive reactions when awarding a perfect score, noting how his expression barely changes despite the excitement from the audience.

Amy went on to share her thoughts on the other members of the judging panel, including Anton Du Beke, who was a professional dancer before stepping into his current role.

"Yeah, absolutely. And he was part of the pro lineup when I obviously joined for a few years before he took that step up as a judge. And I've known Shirley for years," she said.

She also had plenty of praise for head judge Shirley Ballas and fellow judge Motsi Mabuse, highlighting the qualities they each bring to the show.

"She's amazing, and she's like, she is the queen of Latin. And Motsi, her abundance of energy and charisma, it's just brilliant," Amy added.

The comments come as Amy continues her return to the BBC competition after facing significant health challenges in recent years.

The 36-year-old was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and has since been given the reassuring news that there is no evidence of disease. She returned to Strictly, where she has competed alongside celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton.

However, Amy still manages Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition she was diagnosed with at the age of 19 following years of severe pain, vomiting, exhaustion and repeated hospital admissions.

Speaking on the podcast, she also reflected on the distressing battle to get answers about her symptoms, recalling how one doctor suspected she had an eating disorder and told her to "go and eat a Mars bar".

Amy's family were left devastated by the lack of support, with her father eventually threatening legal action after she spent six weeks in hospital without receiving a diagnosis.

She was ultimately transferred to University College London, where a consultant suspected Crohn's disease after listening to her symptoms.

Looking back, Amy said the experience of undergoing years of medical tests and hospital treatment also helped prepare her for the challenges of her cancer diagnosis.