Strictly's Craig Revel Horwood makes key change as he fears being 'cancelled'

Strictly Come Dancinglegend Craig Revel Horwood is known for his blunt responses to contestants as they try to back the coveted Glitter Ball. But it appears his fear of being cancelled is making him change his ways.

The once spiky judge, 60, has admitted he has had to "mellow" his straight talking ways as the years go by. He revealed his worry of being cancelled led to his decision.

His latest comments come months after he took aim at the BBC contest's other judges, Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Motsi Mabuse and claiming he was the reason for the show's success. But now, Craig has claimed he is trying to make sure he always adds a positive onto any comment he makes towards celebrity contestants.

Speaking to Mail Online, Craig confessed: "Back 21 years ago I could be more direct but now what I do is be honest and upfront with the contestants about their routine like I am with anything, I am honest, and with Strictly I am honest but then I will try tag a positive onto the end of it."

"I generally do one point now where it's a negative and a point that's positive just to help them build and grow and give them more confidence.

"As long as I am honest and not being harsh for effect and telling the truth about the dance then no one can really go against that."

He added that he feels he would only be at risk of being cancelled if he was being untoward. He said any comments he makes aren't for personal gain and never will be.

And he admitted last year that he had decided to tone down his comments. It comes after he looked back and thought "ooh, that's cutting" when he revisited past comments.

The comments come as former professional dancer on the show, Orla Jordan, jibed the judge for having "lost his sparkle". However, Craig claims that isn't the case.

Footage has shown how he was t the centre of an awkward row after criticising a Dancing with the Stars contestant live on air in the Aussie version of Strictly. He was met with backlash after labelling Osher Gunsberg's Tango a "right royal mess" in a recent episode.

After hearing the comments, the former Bachelorette Australia host fired back: "Would you like to try going down that perspex ramp in those heels, sir? You are more than welcome to show me how to do it."

And in Craig fashion, he responded: "That is not my job." Craig then continued to criticise, as he labelled the dance 'completely erratic' and accused the TV star of 'making mistakes' everywhere.

Osher, who was partnered with professional dancer Sriani Argaet, wasn't impressed and replied: "But I need you to be doing it in a tango step while the person next to you is on one foot, kicking, and you’re holding their momentum against you. After you."

Craig quickly dismissed the suggestion as something they could do 'some other time'. And following the confrontation, the video went viral on social media. Fans were quick to call out the on-air 'melt down' as they took to social media.

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