Strictly Come Dancing star Craig Revel Horwood has accused Len Goodman of “living in the dark ages”, after the former Head Judge suggested the show had become “too sexy” in recent years.
In an interview with The Mirror earlier this month, Len admitted he thinks the show has gone through some big changes since he stepped down from the panel, and suggested they weren’t all for the better.
Calling for Strictly to go “back to its roots”, Len said: “It’s not only sex, I used to hate it even if a swing was involved and they were sitting on a swing. And props, going down on one knee, giving them a rose. Get on with it!”
However, Craig – who has never been one to bite his tongue – has hit back in his latest column for Best magazine.
“Former Head Judge Len Goodman has been lamenting the ‘old-school’ Strictly, saying there are too many props now, and too much sexiness,” Craig wrote. “I love it!
“Strictly has evolved – there are such beautiful stories within each dance. We’re not doing a ballroom and Latin competition, it’s an entertainment show.”
He added: “Len’s living in the Dark Ages. He’s forgotten his youth!”
Len recently weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding Strictly featuring same-sex couples in future series, which the BBC recently said they’d be “open” to including from next year.
Recalling judging same-sex competitions he’d judged in the past, Len said: “They were of a very high standard, terrific dancing actually. Somehow whilst you were judging it, you didn’t even notice.
“It wasn’t that one of the men was dressed in a frock or anything, it was done in a very tasteful way. So if it’s done in that way I think it would be okay. But that doesn’t change the fact I’m an old traditionalist.”
Five couples remain in the current series of Strictly, which will feature its annual Musicals Week extravaganza this weekend, and after Bruno Tonioli serenaded viewers in last week’s live show, it’s been revealed that Craig will be leading the professionals, celebrities and judges in a Hello Dolly!-inspired musical number on Saturday night.