Craig Revel Horwood, a judge on the popular BBC show Strictly Come Dancing, has opened up about his long-standing feud with former co-star Brendan Cole. Their contentious relationship has made headlines over the years, characterized by numerous clashes and disagreements.
Feud Origins: Craig vs. Brendan
Horwood recently shared insights into the beginnings of their rivalry. During a screening test, he controversially critiqued a performance by Brendan Cole and his partner, Natasha Kaplinsky. Craig stated, “She can hardly walk down the stairs, and the professional has the bowest legs I’ve ever seen.” Despite this criticism, the couple went on to win the competition, capturing the audience’s affection.
The rivalry intensified with Horwood recalling Brendan’s outspoken nature. He remarked that Brendan would often challenge him, saying, “Oh, what would you know?” In response, Craig took the initiative to study ballroom dancing secretly, proving that in their competitive world, “knowledge is power.”
Brendan Cole’s Tenure on Strictly
Brendan Cole was a fixture on Strictly Come Dancing from its inception in 2004 until 2018. After 15 incredible seasons, his contract was not renewed by show executives. Craig commented on this decision, expressing that it was the right moment for Brendan to explore new opportunities. “You can’t dance forever,” he noted.
Brendan’s Reaction to Leaving
Brendan expressed shock and emotional turmoil when his exit was confirmed. Speaking on ITV’s Lorraine, he said, “It’s quite hard to talk about. The BBC haven’t renewed my contract.” His departure was a result of an “editorial decision,” leaving him reflective about his time on the show.
Attempts at Reconciliation
Despite their history, Craig Revel Horwood revealed that he reached out to Brendan in a surprising attempt at reconciliation. In a candid conversation on Kate Thornton’s podcast, Horwood explained that he invited Cole over two years ago to catch up after years of silence. However, his motivations were not entirely altruistic; he was curious about Brendan’s professional endeavors.
- Craig Revel Horwood is a judge on Strictly Come Dancing.
- Brendan Cole was a contestant from 2004 to 2018.
- Their feud began during Brendan’s first season with Natasha Kaplinsky.
- Horwood secretly studied ballroom dancing to enhance his judgment.
- Brendan expressed shock at his contract’s non-renewal.
In the end, while both judges may have had their disagreements, they share a mutual respect for the impact that Strictly Come Dancing has had on their careers and the joy it has brought to viewers. The journey from rivalry to tentative reconciliation reflects the complexities of relationships in the high-stakes world of television entertainment.
