Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has apologised after making an “incredibly disrespectful” and “cruel” joke at the expense of Stacey Dooley while filming year’s launch show.
Craig returned to the Strictly judging panel on Friday night, when the taping of this year’s pre-recorded launch took place.
As is Strictly tradition, reigning champion Stacey also hit the dance floor with her professional partner Kevin Clifton for one last routine together, but according to The Sun, “chaos broke out” after a comment Craig made after their performance.
The tabloid has claimed he said: “Stacey was dragged up from the dance gutter... of course, if you sleep with your dance partner that helps.”
According to The Sun, filming was briefly halted after he made the remark, for which he has now apologised.
Craig said: “I’m deeply sorry for the offence caused to Kevin and Stacey and everyone who works on the show.
“I recognise that what I said was hurtful, cruel and incredibly disrespectful. It was a huge error of judgment that I very much regret.”
Three months after winning Strictly, Stacey split from her long-term boyfriend, and is now in a relationship with Kevin, although the pair have always maintained things didn’t turn romantic between them until after the show.
Kevin will be returning to the show for this year’s series, with viewers set to discover which celebrity he and the rest of the professionals have been partnered with in the launch show.
Get to know the 15 contestants a little better below...
