Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood was once one of the most popular dancers around.
He originally spent two years training as a professional acrobat, until joining a jazz ballet class with his sister changed his fate – and a full on dancing career beckoned. He later performed at the legendary Paris Cabaret Moulin Rouge as the show’s principal singer, while he’s also starred in a string of musicals from Cats to Jesus Christ Superstar.
However, the award-winning star is now better known for his work as a judge – and he’s sadly admitted that his dancing days are over. He explained that he’s had a series of operations on his hips and feet – and they made him realise that he couldn’t continue to shimmy around on the dancefloor “forever”.
Craig revealed to The Mirror: “[The problem] is from wearing heels all my life. They’re so bad for you, although they look fabulous. You can’t keep dancing forever; it’s strenuous.” He added: “I’ve had my toes done, I’ve had my hips replaced, I’ve had everything done, so my dance days are over.”
However, Craig, who is geared up to release the eagerly-anticipated album ‘Revelations, Songs Boys Don’t Sing’, has reassured fans that retirement is a long way off, as he’d like to work until he dies. “I’d be an idiot to retire. What would I do with myself?” he exclaimed.
“I love the show, I’ve become part of the furniture – and the fabric. There’s only so much cooking and gardening you can actually do and I’d get bored [if I retired]. I think I’m just going to keep working until I drop dead.”
Craig admitted he is feeling increasingly nervous as the milestone age of 60 draws nearer, with his big birthday arriving in January.
The Strictly star confessed that he’s fazed about how “old” that feels to him.
“It’s only 10 years to 70 then and that does seem like pension time, doesn’t it? But I’ve no plans to slow down,” he vowed.
Meanwhile, the judge of one of Saturday night’s most popular shows is also keeping himself busy as a choreographer.
His latest work can be seen in upcoming show Now That’s What I Call A Musical, which relives the sounds of the 1980s and kicks off its tour in Aylesbury this Friday.
Reminiscing on his own experience of the 80s, he told Norwich Theatre that he had some “pretty bad” fashion choices at the time – even tying “rags” around his feet and over his boots.
“It was a bit weird. I never got completely punky with it but I used to love that trendy headband and long hair combination [too]. That and baggy jeans.”
