'IT'S A SHOCK'
Craig Revel Horwood breaks silence on Strictly misconduct claims as he predicts scandal-hit show’s future
The judge, 59, has revealed his shock about pro dancer Graziano Di Prima's sacking for kicking his dance partner
CRAIG Revel Horwood says he "doesn't think" he's worried about Strictly's future - as he breaks silence on the misconduct claims.
The judge has spoken for the first time since the BBC was forced to launch a probe into Giovanni Pernice’s alleged misconduct, and having to sack pro Graziano Di Prima for kicking his partner Zara McDermott in rehearsals.
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Craig, 59, told BBC Radio Wales: "I'm just finding out [about the allegations], like everybody else, through the press.
"For me it's a shock, and news to me, because the judges are never present at any of the teaching, we literally come in on a Saturday and just judge what we see before us.
"So we're kept very, very separate to the rest of the company.
"'"For us it's complete news. Every day that I read about something I think "That can't be right", so I'll wait and see what happens with the investigations, but certainly we have nothing to do with that."
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Quizzed on whether the so-called 'nasty' judge on the panel is worried about Strictly's future, Craig said: "I don't think so because it's one of those shows that belongs in the people's hearts that are at home who love dancing, and there's nothing better than seeing someone come from nothing and work hard and move up to being absolutely phenomenal."
Craig has since backed the BBC's plans to toughen up its duty of care rules by hiring chaperones for celeb training sessions.
Craig - who is currently starring in the UK tour of The Wizard Of Oz - said: "When I was in Annie we had chaperones everywhere, because the kids and laws and all of that stuff.
"And I've noticed in the theatre world we have chaperones and people we can speak to if you're having a down day.'
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"We have psychologists on the shows now, and all of that, so I think it's just a normal progression of what's happening in life now."
Shirley Ballas throws support behind Strictly's Anton Du Beke after he's named as ‘4th star dragged into misconduct probe’
It comes as Strictly celebrities continue to raise complaints about their time on the show — as the BBC fears a £1million personal injury bill.
A number of stars are lining up claims citing physical or mental health harm, and loss of earnings.
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