Judge of dance show says professional dancers must continue to have strict training with celebrities despite debate.

The world of dance is not an easy one, especially when it comes to the high-stakes competition of Strictly Come Dancing. As one of the judges on the show since its debut in 2004, Craig Revel Horwood knows firsthand the pressure and dedication required from both the professional dancers and the celebrities they are paired with.

With the 20th anniversary season of Strictly on the horizon, Craig has expressed his hope that the show's high standards will not be compromised due to recent controversies. Concerns have been raised about the treatment of contestants such as Amanda Abbington and Zara McDermott, with allegations being made against some of the professional dancers.

In light of these concerns, Craig believes that strictness is necessary for the best results to be achieved. He explains, "When I'm teaching casts for shows in rehearsals, I still have to be quite strict. I think you have to be." He draws a comparison to an Olympian striving for gold and their strict trainer, emphasizing the importance of discipline and constructive criticism in achieving success.

Despite his reputation for being the harshest of the judges and often receiving boos from the audience, Craig stands by his approach. "You just have to be able to take some criticism," he says. "Otherwise, we're living in a world where no one is criticised, and it will become watered down and vanilla, where no one's trying."

Reflecting on his own dance training, Craig acknowledges that it was not an easy road. He believes that some of the contestants on Strictly would potentially sue if they were put through the same rigorous training he endured. But for Craig, criticism was crucial in his development as a dancer. "I would never have made it without criticism," he admits.

He recalls his Russian ballet teacher constantly correcting and touching his hamstrings, and the use of caning as a form of discipline in dance classes. "It's a really simple way of doing it, but if you do that in a Strictly class, you'll be sued," he says.

The recent controversies surrounding Strictly have put a spotlight on the treatment of contestants, with former participants like Amanda Abbington speaking out against their experiences. Craig hopes that the show will continue to maintain its high standards and provide a positive and fair environment for all involved.

As the 20th season of Strictly approaches, the excitement and anticipation amongst fans is palpable. And for those who want to stay up to date with all the behind-the-scenes gossip, there's a Strictly Come Dancing WhatsApp channel where fans can join and be the first to receive news and rumors about their favorite pros, judges, and celebrities.

Despite the challenges and controversies, Strictly Come Dancing remains one of the most beloved and highly anticipated shows on television. As the new season approaches, we can only hope that the dedication and passion of the dancers and celebrities will continue to shine through and inspire us all.

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