Craig Revel Horwood Names The Strictly Guest That Left Him 'Literally Grovelling At Her Feet'

As Strictly Come Dancing’s most hard-to-impress judge, you might think Craig Revel Horwood would not be one for a fanboy moment. 

Not so, it seems.

Craig has revealed that while he doesn’t get starstruck by the BBC ballroom show’s celebrity contestants, it’s rather a different story when it comes to its A-list musical guests.

In a new interview with Fubar Radio, he revealed how he was turned into a “grovelling” mess by one particular star.

“When Shirley Bassey came on to sing, I was literally grovelling at her feet,” he recalled. 

“I was disgusting. I turned into a teenage girl. It was ridiculous.”

Craig went on to recall how he felt similarly star meeting a number of other big names thanks to his role on Strictly.

He continued: “I went and met Liza Minnelli through the show as well. Love that.

“Bette Midler was another one that came and sang on the show. Beyoncé, Amy Winehouse, I mean the list goes on.”

Spilling on his encounter with Queen Bey, Craig was delighted when it turned out she knew who he was. 

“I couldn’t believe it, I was so starstruck when Beyoncé came through with a 25 entourage,” he said. “I was in the hallway. No one is allowed to look at her or anything. And she came straight up to me and said, ‘Hey Craig!’. 

“I went, Oh my God! She knows who I am! Beyoncé!

“I was so excited,” he added. 

Craig is returning to Strictly Come Dancing for the new series later this month, alongside fellow judges Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas. 

Bruno Tonioli will sit out the Saturday night live show as he is residing in the US amid the pandemic, but will give his verdict on each of the performances during the pre-recorded Sunday results shows. 

It is just one of a number of changes to this year’s series, which is due to kick off on 17 October on BBC One.