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Because the toughest judge to please on the dance show\u2019s panel has hailed this year\u2019s celebrity line-up as \u201cexceptional\u201d \u2013 and admits Eastenders star Bobby, 20, has blown him away.<\/p>\n
Craig said: \u201cBobby, who you wouldn\u2019t think would be any good at all, has turned out a real gem in the whole show.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is likeable and I think a lot of people love watching him and love his character. I think he\u2019s fantastic.\u201d<\/p>\n
Actor Nigel Harman, 50, who also shot to fame on \u2019Enders, and Sherlock star Amanda Abbington, 49, have also caught Craig\u2019s usually critical eye.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cI\u2019m really surprised by Nigel. I think he\u2019s really, really good.<\/p>\n
\u201cAmanda is coming up as well. She\u2019s equally impressive. There\u2019s a lot of people in it who could win. I think this year it\u2019s exceptional.”<\/p>\n
READ MORE: <\/strong> Adam Thomas pulls out of work commitments as Strictly pressure mounts<\/strong><\/p>\n Craig has also been bowled over by Strictly Come Dancing\u2019s oldest ever contestant. He gushed: \u201cAngela Rippon is really incredible. I mean, she\u2019s just literally turned 79.<\/p>\n \u201cIf I could dance like that at that age… well, I\u2019d like to be able to dance like that now!<\/p>\n \u201cShe is a fantastic advertisement for older ladies and anyone, older men, to get up and have a go.\u201d<\/p>\n The famously outspoken judge, 58, has admitted he has \u201cmellowed with age\u201d, which might help explain why he is so full of praise for the Strictly class of 2023.<\/p>\n He is juggling his Strictly commitments with a UK tour of Annie, in which he plays the orpanage owner Miss Hannigan.<\/p>\n The show is currently in Sheffield, before hitting Hull and then Belfast\u2019s Grand Opera House on October 31.<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n He is the BBC show\u2019s longest-serving judge, having been grilling and marking its stars since it first aired in 2004. Show host Tess Daly is the only other member of the original cast.<\/p>\n Next will mark two decades for the pair in the ballroom.<\/p>\n Proud Craig said: \u201cI know, it\u2019s amazing, really. I mean, when we first started out, I really gave it like literally three weeks.<\/p>\n \u201cI was saying, \u2018There\u2019s no way it will last, this is never going to take off.\u2019 And, of course, I was completely wrong.<\/p>\n \u201cNow it\u2019s gone to 61 countries worldwide, which is quite frightening.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s like the BBC\u2019s biggest flagship enterprise and it brings in a lot of money through the BBC Worldwide part of it. It\u2019s a brilliant, brilliant thing.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s so good that it\u2019s not just this country but 61 countries worldwide that love it.\u201d<\/p>\n Craig Revel Horwood is currently on tour with Annie – visit www.anniethemusicaltour.uk to book tickets.<\/p>\n
Strictly’s Zara McDermott teases fans with show first after dance-off[TV] <\/strong>
Annabel Croft on daughter\u2019s \u2018bittersweet\u2019 engagement after husband’s death[CELEBS] <\/strong>
Strictly’s Adam Thomas struck down with mystery illness days before live show[TV] <\/strong><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/20\/590x\/secondary\/5020006.jpg?r=1697647550223\")
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