Strictly Come Dancing star recalls being 'whacked with a cane' during 'tough' rehearsals

Strictly Come Dancing's very own Craig Revel Horwood has shockingly disclosed that he was "whacked with a cane" during his dance training days.

The 59 year old judge, a staple on the show since it began, recently graced BBC Breakfast with his presence, joining hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt. It wasn't long before Naga probed into recent allegations of gross misconduct on the popular dance show.

Amidst a whirlwind of controversy, Strictly has found itself in the eye of the storm over the past few months, particularly after Giovanni Pernice was dropped from the 2024 line-up. His former dance partner Amanda Abbington had levelled accusations of abusive behaviour against him, prompting Giovanni to take to social media with a comprehensive statement denying the allegations.

In another blow to the show, Graziano Di Prima has been axed following allegations that he subjected Zara McDermott to verbal and physical abuse during practice sessions. Graziano has since extended an apology to his ex-dance partner.

Craig, weighing in on the unfolding drama, expressed his astonishment to Naga and Charlie: "I'm completely gobsmacked by the whole thing. Of course I found out with the press because the judges are all kept separate from the contestants.", reports the Mirror.

He added, "The only time we ever see each other is when we are in passing going to the studio so you don't really get the opportunity to know what happens in the rehearsal room. It's not part of our jobs."

Naga then queried, "Have you ever thought about how you train? I mean, obviously you have danced, and that relationship."

Craig confessed: "I know how I was trained and it was tough. I had a Russian ballet teacher who used to have a cane and she would whack us with it. Just so you're not pulling up from the thigh - doing a deboules, for instance, to engage your hamstrings."

"We have chaperones in the theatre all the time, especially with children and younger people. It's a good thing to have a third eye on the whole situation."

"I mean obviously that sort of teaching wouldn't be available today. Things have changed and come a long way in the 40 years since I trained."

He further stated: "Training everyone is different, what they learn they carry on into the training room. I think it's a good thing they are bringing people into the rehearsal rooms, they are mediators."