Strictly Come Dancing stalwart Craig Revel Horwood didn’t mince his words when speaking about Gregg Wallace’s time on the dancefloor, according to his book “In Strictest Confidence”.
The pivotal figure in the dancing extravaganza delved into the past and recounted experiences with former contestants as he celebrated his 60th birthday.
He detailed his own jittery journey as a participant on BBC show Celebrity MasterChef in 2007, which offered him a taste of being on the receiving end of criticism, specifically from the man who usually dishes it out, Wallace, 60.
Wallace, who has also commanded the MasterChef kitchen, swapped his apron for dancing shoes as he teamed up with professional Aliona Vilani on Strictly back in 2014 but found himself the first celebrity voted off. Craig was candid about their shared tension, remarking: “Gregg Wallace took everything very seriously and he was extremely nervous.”
He continued by sympathising with Wallace’s predicament, saying: “He’s used to being the judge himself and it is horrible when the tables are turned, as I know from bitter experience.”
Craig remembered a particularly stinging interaction during his stint on Celebrity MasterChef where he felt the harsh sting of Wallace’s critique, recalling: “I was judged by him on Celebrity MasterChef back in 2007 and he said some horrible things about my food and I was the one shaking with nerves throughout the whole thing,” reports Lancs Live.
Craig described Wallace’s performance as reminiscent of a “wind-up toy” while not forgetting the MasterChef comments. During the exchange, he told Wallace, “You were really nasty about my pink peppercorns but I’m going to be nice and tell you the truth,” alluding to Wallace’s past criticism.
Rounding off his review, he added, “You were like a wind-up toy. Like a pressure cooker about to explode. Very camp with the broken wrist and the struts.”
Gregg Wallace’s brief stint on the show was marked by judge Craig Revel Horwood’s teasing words: “I know how enthusiastic you are – every time I go into catering you’re in there doing a New York. I can only encourage it and hope it gets better.”
Unfortunately, Gregg’s time on the show was cut short. He later expressed his dissatisfaction with the experience, telling OK! Magazine: “I love dancing, but if I were paired with somebody who liked me then I would have done better.”
In a separate interview, Craig addressed speculation about his retirement after turning 60.
He clarified to Best Magazine: “I did not [say I was going to retire! ] I said my dancing days are over. I still have a bit of a go, but no splits,” He added: “You can’t really do those with two big his replacements! Being totally honest, I gave up dancing professionally at 30.”
Craig emphasized that judging, singing, and directing would remain a big part of his life: “It’s a young person’s game. That said, I think my life is just beginning. I shall be judging, singing and directing until I’m dead.”