Strictly's Craig Revel Horwood Debuts New Look Amid Show Controversies

Craig Revel Horwood, the longest-serving judge on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, has unveiled a new appearance for the upcoming series, set to commence on Saturday, September 14, 2024. The judge, who has been a fixture on the show since its inception in 2004, now sports a thick dark beard, marking a significant change from his usual clean-shaven look.

Promotional photos for the new series showcase Revel Horwood in black tie attire, accompanied by fellow judges Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke. This transformation echoes a similar change made by the Prince of Wales, who recently decided to maintain his summer beard for official duties.

The judge's new look is not entirely unprecedented. In November 2015, viewers noticed Revel Horwood with a thin horseshoe of five o'clock shadow, which was related to his preparation for a pantomime role as Captain Hook. Interestingly, he is set to reprise this role in the winter of 2024 at the Milton Keynes Theatre.

"I think the show can rise above what has happened, I really do. It has a certain verve and people would be so sad if this was to mean the show didn't continue. I always look forward to a new series. I've become part of the furniture in a way."

Despite the excitement surrounding the new series, Strictly Come Dancing has faced recent challenges. The BBC has initiated a review following allegations of bullying made by Amanda Abbington against her dance partner Giovanni Pernice. Additionally, professional dancer Graziano Di Prima admitted to an incident involving his celebrity partner, Zara McDermott.

However, Revel Horwood remains optimistic about the show's ability to overcome these issues. His confidence in the program's resilience is rooted in its long-standing popularity and cultural impact. Since its debut in 2004, Strictly Come Dancing has become a beloved fixture in British television, winning multiple BAFTA awards and spawning numerous international versions.

The show's format, which includes both ballroom and Latin dance styles, has captivated audiences for nearly two decades. With its iconic glitterball trophy, catchy theme music composed by Daniel McGrath, and the possibility of perfect scores of 40, Strictly continues to attract celebrity contestants from various fields, including sports, music, and politics.

As the new series approaches, fans eagerly anticipate the return of Revel Horwood's signature catchphrase "Fab-u-lous!" and the dynamic judging panel, which now includes former professional dancer Anton Du Beke. Despite the recent controversies, the enduring appeal of Strictly Come Dancing and the optimism of its longest-serving judge suggest that the show is poised to continue its legacy as a cornerstone of British entertainment.