Craig Revel Horwood is known for his harsh feedback but this Saturday, Chris McCausland gave him a taste of his own medicine with a brutal dig at his expense on Strictly.

Chris McCausland broke the ice as he took aim at Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood.

Known for his high expectations for contestants of the BBC One competition, Craig Revel Horwood was back in the ballroom this Saturday, September 28, 2024. And though some performances managed to impress him, all earned some constructive criticism from the judge.

Ahead of his own dance, Chris McCausland was asked by presenter Claudia Winkleman how he felt, particularly due to Craig’s presence on the panel – and the Liverpudlian comedian made it clear he wasn’t afraid of him. Chris, who is making history as the first blind contestant to show off his dance moves in the programme, has become a firm favourite among fans of the show for his humour – his best weapon against Craig’s firmness.

Before answering Claudia’s questions, Chris thus decided to show solidarity with those who had been on the receiving end of Craig’s criticism as he quipped: “First of all, by the sound of how things are going, I think Craig is blinder than I am”, leaving his co-stars and viewers in hysterics.

“‘By the sound of it, Craig is blinder than I am’ CHRIS IS A NATIONAL TREASURE #Strictly,” one delighted viewer penned on Twitter (X) as the moment aired on BBC One. “”By the sounds of the way things are going, I think Craig is blinder than I am” GIVE CHRIS THE GLITTERBALL IMMEDIATELY #Strictly,” another added, with a third quipping: “I think Craig is blinder than i am” CHRIS I LOVE YOU #Strictly.”

Chris McCausland was far from afraid of Craig Revel Horwood’s criticism ( Image:BBC)
Later on, however, Chris McCausland endearing partnership with professional Dianne Buswell earned a standing ovation from the Strictly Come Dancing audience and he even landed a score of 29 after gliding across the dancefloor and performing bench work to Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy by The Tams.

After giving the comic a standing ovation, head judge head judge Shirley Ballas praised him as “an example to every celebrity upstairs when it comes to footwork.” Fellow judge Motsi Mabuse said the slow foxtrot is one of the most difficult dances but she felt he made it look “so easy” while Anton Du Beke said: “you are just wonderful.”

Chris then joked in anticipation with Craig Revel Horwood that he had to think of an original comment which was not about his frame, to which the judge countered by critiquing his finger positioning but said he “loved” his spirit in the dance and musicality.

This comes after Nick Knowles alarmed Strictly Come Dancing viewers earlier on in the week as he revealed he’d sustained an injury just hours after stepping onto the dancefloor on Saturday, September 21.

The DIY SOS presenter took to Instagram to share the news with his followers after being caught with his arm in a sling, and explained he suffered from a shoulder injury after trying to change a tyre while driving his 10-year-old son to a birthday party in his honour.

His participation in the show this Saturday had been put into question as a result.

While his condition was assessed, the home improvement expert remained hopeful he’d be able to set foot into the ballroom, giving his fans frequent updates on social media. But this also led him to miss hours of training. After two days of rehearsals, however, just as doubt was morphing into despair, Nick Knowles told his fans that he’d been given the all clear to dance with Luba this Saturday.

Footage showed Nick hard at work mastering his next set of dance moves during a segment on BBC Two’s Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two. He was shown moving both his arms and twirling his dance partner around. Addressing the cameras, Nick said: “Luba has been extraordinary.

From the moment she knew I was injured she has been looking at alternative ways. She must have rebuilt this dance ten times.” And the professional dancer herself added: “He is looking incredibly well in hold. He has potential in ballroom!”

Meanwhile a source told The Sun: “Nick is elated that he is being given another chance at getting back on the dancefloor and is focused on his recovery. Nick is in the best hands and will be focussed on getting better before going back into rehearsals.

He has absolutely loved the Strictly experience so far so knowing he is still part of the show makes him feel incredibly happy.”

This Saturday, Nick Knowles strutted into the ballroom with Luba Mushtuk for his performance, in the hopes of avoiding the series’ first elimination and despite only having 16 hours to prepare his number. And though he was smiling, it was clear for viewers that he was putting on a brave face.