Viewers of Strictly Come Dancing have expressed outrage over judge Craig Revel Horwood’s harsh critique of YouTuber George Clarke during Saturday night’s eighth week of the competition.
The social media personality delivered an emotional performance that left him visibly close to tears, yet faced severe criticism from the notoriously tough judge.
The controversy erupted after Mr Revel Horwood delivered what many considered unnecessarily harsh feedback following Mr Clarke’s deeply personal routine.
Fans took to social media platforms to voice their anger, with numerous viewers condemning the judge’s approach as insensitive and inappropriate given the circumstances.
BBC Strictly: Craig Revel Horwood was branded ‘catty’ over his remarks
The incident occurred as couples competed for a coveted spot at next week’s performance at Blackpool Tower Ballroom, announced by hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman during the programme.
Mr Clarke revealed before his performance that his mother Nicky had recently been diagnosed with cancer, explaining that the chosen song, Somewhere Only We Know, held special significance for his family.
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His sister had performed it at his grandfather’s funeral, making it a poignant reminder of family unity during difficult times.
The contestant shared his mother’s struggle, stating: “Nobody deserves what she has gone through, but least of all her. It has just taken up so much of her life now.”
With his mother present in the studio audience, Mr Clarke expressed that whilst he regularly tells her he loves her, this performance was his way of demonstrating those feelings through action.
He acknowledged feeling helpless about her situation, stating: “There is not a lot I can do to help so to give her this is special.”
BBC Strictly: George Clarke opened up about his mother’s diagnosis
| BBC
Mr Revel Horwood’s assessment proved particularly controversial when he declared: “Technically it wasn’t great, I’ve got to be honest.
“It actually wasn’t a Rumba so for me it was difficult to judge. You danced a contemporary dance that belongs in musical theatre.”
Whilst acknowledging the emotional impact of the performance, the judge remained unmoved in his technical evaluation.
“Admittedly, the story was absolutely magnificent, you told that beautifully so you achieved that,” he conceded.
His concluding remarks sparked the greatest backlash when he stated: “You will win the audience votes with it but unfortunately you won’t win my vote.”
BBC Strictly: Craig Revel Horwood critiqued the couple’s choreography
| BBC
The final comment particularly incensed viewers who felt it demonstrated a lack of empathy for Mr Clarke’s personal circumstances, coupled with the fact Mr Clarke didn’t control the choreography of the routine himself.
Angry viewers flooded social media with criticism of Craig’s approach. One fan wrote: “Craig genuinely needs to get a grip. George’s routine was beautiful.
“How do you see a guy clearly on the verge of tears bc of the story behind his dance and basically bully him bc of the choreo included?? which he can’t control?? horrible judge #Strictly.”
BBC Strictly: George Clarke dedicated the dance to his mother
| BBC
Another viewer disagreed entirely with the judges’ assessment: “So in my opinion that was a stunning and a really exciting rumba, and that doesn’t happen very often. I would give that 4 10s!
“What is going on with the judges this week?! It was amazing. #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly.”
Multiple fans highlighted Craig’s unnecessary reference to audience voting, with one stating: “Indeed. Also that catty comment about the audience vote from Craig was completely unnecessary #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly.”
Another asked: “What am I missing? George is lovely and has been improving each week. Someone spell it out for me because I can’t see why Craig hates him SO much #Strictly.”
“The way Craig speaks to and about George is f***ed. He dedicates a dance to his late grandad and his mum who’s been diagnosed with cancer and all he can say is ‘you won’t get my vote’. Let’s read the room. #Strictly,” another penned.
Someone else added: “Really enjoyed #StrictlyComeDancing. Favourite Dances of the night were Alex, Balvinder, George, and La Voix. Ignoring the catty comment from Craig about George getting the audience vote #Strictly.”
“Totally fair to give him criticism and feedback cos that’s exactly what the show is about and exactly what the judges jobs are. but the harshness of Craig’s comments tonight were NOT fair at all,” one more added.
Others took a different approach though, with someone else posting: “Sorry to say I agree with Craig about George’s dance tonight #Strictly.” (sic)
