Overview

• Craig Revel Horwood has deliberately added a positive remark to every criticism in his Strictly Come Dancing feedback to build contestants’ confidence.
• He cited fear of being ‘cancelled’ as his motivation after reviewing past footage and recognizing that cutting comments would now be seen as bullying.
• He insists that pairing candour with praise allows him to remain truthful about performances while safeguarding against reputational risks.
• His shift comes in the wake of a BBC misconduct investigation into former pro dancer Giovanni Pernice that prompted industry-wide scrutiny of on-air conduct.
• He still encountered controversy overseas by facing criticism in Australia after dismissing Osher Gunsberg’s tango as a ‘right royal mess’ on Dancing with the Stars.