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Craig Revel-Horwood, the judge for Strictly Come Dancing, has opened up about a part he played in the background that fans may not have known.

Ahead of the Strictly Come Dancing launch show on Saturday, Craig Revel Horwood, the show’s longest-serving judge, has revealed a secret role that flips the dynamic between the judge and contestants.

When asked what standout moment from the previous year’s series, Craig claimed that Chris McCausland’s coaching experience made the decision. Each judge coached one of the couples for their first dance, as seen in the episode, and Craig was paired with Chris and Dianne Buswell, his partner. However, the judge has now revealed that this is the first time the judges can learn from the contestants, as opposed to the majority of the series, where the judges typically get advice from the contestants.

“Coach Chris McCausland was my standout moment before the final,” Craig said. “Throughout the entire series, I realized how challenging it was for him.” After spending time with him, he taught me things that I didn’t know.

Chris and Dianne’s Couple’s Choice to Instant Karma by John Lennon was the subject of the dance. In order for viewers to see what it’s like to be blind like Chris, the dance had a section where all the lights in the studio were off. In their response, Craig was not the only judge to mention Chris. In fact, every other judge praised Chris’ commitment to the program as a highlight.

Head judge Shirley Ballas said his waltz to You’ll Never Walk Alone was “simply phenomenal”. “Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell’s Waltz to You’ll Never Walk Alone will forever be etched in my heart. I often take myself back to that moment, seeing Chris waltz. That partnership was something else, and Dianne’s teaching throughout the series was simply phenomenal.”

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The same waltz was chosen by Motsi Mabuse. It made us shiver,” she said. She said, “It was just incredible.” Strictly is all about the emotion, the connection, the way the story came across. It was one of those performances that stayed with you for a long time after the music stopped.

Anton Du Beke, who was first a pro dancer and took over as a judge following the departure of Bruno Tonioli, put it more simply: “For me it was anything that Chris did. He was just fantastic, in every single dance.”

Given that he has been on the show with his judge’s paddles since the beginning, Craig was also questioned about how it felt to return to the program for another series. He said, “This is my 21st year on the show, and it’s been absolutely amazing.” “Every year still manages to surprise me.”

People frequently inquire as to whether or not I ever get bored, but I refuse. Strictly’s cast is constantly evolving, which is beautiful. We now have some incredible celebrities, and I think we have a whole new generation of y and y in particular this year.

Ellie Goldstein, the first Strictly contestant with Down syndrome, and La Voix, the first drag queen to compete on a full series of the show, make up the contestants this year. Lewis Cope, an Emmerdale actor, intervened at the last minute after Kristian Nairn left Game of Thrones to join the cast.

On September 20th, BBC 1 will re-air Strictly Come Dancing.

Gemma Atkinson, the star of Strictly Come Dancing, has opened up about Gorka Marquez’s wedding and explained why the couple has been holding off on it.

Strictly Come Dancing star Gemma Atkinson has given fans a major update on her wedding plans with professional dancer Gorka Marquez. The couple, who announced their engagement on Valentine’s Day 2021, started dating in 2017 after meeting on the Strictly tour.

They welcomed son Thiago in 2023 and daughter Mia in 2019. They haven’t been overly excited to say “I do,” despite having been engaged for four years.

Although Gemma had previously resisted getting married without her late father accompanying her as she walked down the aisle, the wedding bells may be ringing soon after a change of heart.

Gemma revealed in a new interview that she and Gorka have been considering having a small ceremony in Manchester as their wedding day.

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She stated, “We’ve thought about doing it in Manchester, just the two of us, and then have a big party afterwards, and we’ve even thought about doing it in a registry office or hotel in Spain so his family can come.”

“But since he’s only two, I believe we should wait until Thiago is a little older, perhaps next year or the year after.” She told The Express, “He could be a little older and get involved in it, which would be really nice.”

Gemma also disclosed that she is undergoing tests for perimenopause, a woman’s natural transition leading up to menopause.

She continued, “I’m okay with it because I always wanted two, never wanted more, and we’ve had the blessing of having a boy and a girl.”

After listening to a podcast, I discovered that I am actually taking a Dutch test, which will determine whether you are or not. Although I haven’t yet experienced any symptoms, I still feel fine. However, I’m 41 this year and things will change.

For Gemma’s Gem + Tonic collection, Gemma has created a new line of skincare products that includes a moisturiser, hair gel, and face cream.

She said, “I really just wanted to do it for every busy woman out there who is juggling careers, relationships, and parenting.” “We’ve had so many bumps along the way.

It’s been about achieving that balance between science and nature, according to me, and it’s perfect for those who aren’t up for a nine-step skincare regimen.

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