Craig Revel Horwood has explained how couples on Strictly Come Dancing can hide their potential dislike for each other through the way they perform.
Last year, the series was rocked by rumours that there had been a falling out between Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington after she decided to leave the competition in week five.
Since she confessed the truth, legal investigations have been ongoing after she claimed he was abusive during rehearsals.
Giovanni, who was dropped from this year’s line-up, has staunchly denied any wrongdoing and expressed confidence that he will be able to clear his name once the investigation is complete.
When asked about his thoughts on the scandal, Craig, 59, said judges can tell if there is a breakup by the way a couple dances together. He explained: “They’re just playing. If the tension is real and you’re dancing a paso doble, you can use that for the dance.”
“We’re talking about actors here. You don’t have to be really in love to dance the rumba, do you?
“The only thing that could be determined is if there is a separation between them, namely in the dancing, but that is something I would address as a judge. They continue in their roles.”
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Craig went on to say that there are “so many” dance couples who “can’t stand each other,” although you can never tell by their moves on the dance floor.
“You’d swear they’re in love,” he told the Daily Mail’s Weekend Magazine.
“Many people at work have to pretend to love each other, but they don’t, so it’s impossible to say.”
Regarding the allegations against Giovanni, Craig said he was shocked but wished people would stop speculating.
He added: “It’s better if everyone just sits there and let the truth come out, in court or a tribunal or somewhere, so that we can find out what really went on.”
After Giovanni’s expulsion from the show, Graziano Di Prima also came under criticism for his alleged behavior towards Zara McDermott.
The dancer strongly denies the allegations that he spat on his former celebrity partner, but admits to having kicked her and apologizing to her at the time.
Next month, 15 brave celebrities will take to the dance floor for the show’s 20th anniversary special.
Contenders for the Glitterball trophy include The Only Way Is Essex’s Pete Wicks, former Arsenal legend Paul Merson, Gladiators star Montell Douglas aka Fire, DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles, singer Toyah Willcox, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick and Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri.
The latest odds from Betway show that Love Island star Tasha Ghouri is currently the favourite to win the upcoming series.
Chad Yeomans said: “Strictly promises plenty of glitz and glamour this year as it celebrates its 20th anniversary as one of the nation’s favourite television shows. While a dazzling cast of celebrities, comedians and Olympic athletes compete for the coveted Glitterball trophy, Tasha Ghouri is already a clear favourite to take home the award following her success in the Love Island 2022 final.
“Can Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans, now Celebrity MasterChef champion, win people’s hearts when he hits the dance floor, or will Jamie Borthwick steal the show and quickstep his way back to the final? Once the show starts, it’s all about dancing!”
