Strictly: Kym Marsh reflects on score from Craig Revel Horwood

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Craig, who has appeared in Strictly Come Dancing since the first series in 2004, has spoken out about Bruno’s decision to quit this year after a previous two-year absence due to the pandemic. The excitable judge was a fan favourite in the competition series and was known for his positive spin on each performance. Due to his work in the US on Dancing With The Stars, he was unable to take part in the 2020 and 2021 series due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, but it was announced earlier this year he wouldn’t be filming this year’s show either. Craig has now explained why Bruno quit, explaining the fanfare towards him “dwindled” during the pandemic.

Each judge is known for their individual caricatures, and Craig is often seen as the “panto villain” due to his no-nonsense approach to the feedback he gives contestants.

Former professional contestant Anton Du Beke has now officially replaced Bruno after stepping in during the pandemic.

Bruno didn’t publicise an official reason for his departure from the series but stated it had been a mutual decision. Craig has shed some further light on the exit though.

“Bruno just wished he had more of a fanfare because it sort of just dwindled out, which is a shame because of Covid,” the 57-year-old explained.

Before the pandemic, Bruno would fly back and forth between the US and the UK to film both series of the dance-based competition show.

Once the pandemic put a stop to travel, Bruno opted to remain across the pond to film Dancing With the Stars.

Craig continued: “He’s got a massive set of friends in America, he has a beautiful swimming pool, a beautiful house, he’s quite at home there and doesn’t miss us at all.

On the topic of joining him in America, Craig admitted he wouldn’t be accepted on the US show.

“I’d get shot. I wouldn’t last in the streets there,” he joked.

Craig also gave his view on Shirley Ballas being accused of “sexism” while judging the celebrities on the show.

“I base mine on artistry, on arms, on telling the stories,” he explained.

“We’re all four different judges, from different walks of life and entitled to our opinions. I don’t think it is sexist.”

Bruno has recently admitted he didn’t know how he had “survived” his former gruelling schedule.

He commented: “There is no animosity – it was a mutual decision.

“Both of us [were] saying, ‘Listen, this is not going to work like it used to.'”

Speaking to The Daily Mail, he added: “I just couldn’t do the flying anymore.

“I don’t know how I survived that schedule, to be honest – it’s a miracle.”

He went on to admit the non-stop work probably affected his health.

“I have no idea what it did to my health!” he exclaimed, continuing: “Don’t go there!”

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday at 6.30pm on BBC One.

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