Craig Revel Horwood welcomed Strictly Come Dancing dance-off change
Craig Revel Horwood would "love" to vote off Strictly Come Dancing contestants again in the future following last weekend's dance off change.
Craig Revel Horwood would "love" to vote off Strictly Come Dancing contestants again in the future.
This weekend's show saw Lawrence Robb and Jowita Przystał leave after the first-ever three-couple dance-off saw the judges choose who to send home, rather than pick who they wanted to save, and though the acid-tongued choreographer admitted it felt "weird" because of the audience response, he enjoyed making the decision.
Asked what the dance-off - which also saw Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu and Jaime Winstone and Carlos Gu perform again - was like, he said on Strictly: It Takes Two: "It was a little bit weird, I’ve got to be honest. We’re used to saving people and getting a cheer, but it was tumbleweed darling. I thought, 'Oh this feels a bit weird', but I sort of liked it."
Asked if he'd like to vote that way again, he added: "Oh yes please, You - out, go home! I love it."
Meanwhile, Craig heaped praise on John Nellis and his professional partner Katya Jones after they came second on last weekend's leaderboard.
The judge had dismissed John as a "dance disaster" during his first appearance on Strictly, so he's been very impressed by their improvement.
He said: "You don’t expect it from him, when we were rehearsing the launch show, he was a complete dance disaster and I thought, ‘This guy isn’t going to get it at all.’ It took him ages to learn one little step but his improvement is beyond.
"What I love about him is he puts his acting shoulder in every dance and it transforms and that’s what it’s all about.
"Katya cracks that whip!"
Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola topped the leaderboard for the first time with their Charleston, and Craig thinks they've set the standard for that particular dance over the course of the series.
He said: "She hit the bar and it was really high.
"She really fell in love with the dance and you can tell. She really put herself into it and it was great."
After he was voted off the show, Emmerdale star Lawrence reflected on the "intense" experience.
Speaking after the result, Lawrence said: "It's quite hard to put into words, it's the most intense, the most incredible, the most loving, caring and wonderful family to be part of.
"The dancefloor is electric. I've got my mum and dad here so I got to dance for them again.
"I made a mistake and my head's in the clouds but I cannot thank everybody... the judges, the cast, the pros, you [Jowita], everyone."
The soap star insisted he is "really proud" of the journey he had been on and singled out his salsa as an "absolute highlight".
He added: "I've just loved every second, also this wonderful, wonderful woman has helped me grow and to become a dancer I didn't think I could be, all credit needs to go to her.
"Monday is going to be weird, but I'm moving house so now I've got time to move house, silver linings."
Jowita thanked her partner for his commitment and "beautiful soul".
She said: "I've had the best time ever and need to say thank you for always showing up and giving 100%...
"What I wanted to say to everyone is you are such a kind and beautiful soul and your aura shines so bright, I absolutely adore you. When I've met you, I thought about one thing and I was absolutely right - your heart is made of gold."
