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Strictly's Craig Revel Horwood slammed over 'upsetting' George Clarke comment

Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood is no stranger to brutal comments, but his criticism of TikTok star George Clarke left fans angered on Saturday night

Craig Revel Horwood has been slammed for his "upsetting" Strictly Come Dancing comments. The judge, known for his sharp tongue, never holds back when it comes to sharing what he really thinks.

But his comments to social media star, George Clarke, appear to have struck a nerve with Strictly fans on social media who were not impressed by Craig's criticism. During the live show on Saturday, George chose to dance to Lily Allen's rendition of Somewhere Only We Know, originally sung by Keane.

He explained that the song had a special meaning to him and his family, as his sister had sung it at his grandfather's funeral. But before his dance with Alex Warr, George announced in his intro video that his mother had recently been diagnosed with cancer and he was dedicating his rumba to her.

[Craig has been criticised for his comments to George]

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Craig has been criticised for his comments to George(Image: BBC)

While Anton Du Beke praised George for his performance, Craig wasn't so kind. The no-nonsense judge said: "Technically, that wasn't great. I've got to be honest. And you know what? It actually wasn't a rumba.

"So for me, it was difficult to judge. I'm supposed to be judging a rumba, but instead you danced a contemporary dance that belongs really in musical theatre." He continued: "Admittedly, the story was absolutely magnificent. You told that beautifully, so you will win the audience votes with it, but unfortunately, you won't win my vote.

"It just technically was not great, the hip action was just wiggling, there wasn't a proper straight leg. There was a salsa hip, not a rumba hip. I'm sorry to say it." Meanwhile, Motsi Mabuse told George: "I wish her all the best and that we can live this life together."

[George had opened up about his mum's recent cancer diagnosis and the special meaning behind the song he chose]

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George had opened up about his mum's recent cancer diagnosis and the special meaning behind the song he chose(Image: BBC)

But host Claudia urged George and Alexis not to focus on Craig's comments, but instead, celebrate the praise the other three judges gave them.

Fans on social media were left fuming over the comments though as they vented their frustration. One annoyed viewer fumed: "Craig's comments were so upsetting, especially trying to sway the votes when this dance was to raise awareness! But again, scoring him a 6 like he does every week, despite how much he improves. I'm so over it!"

A second penned: "Craig's comment was so unnecessary." "I can't believe how nasty Craig was towards him, it was awful," fumed a third. Meanwhile, a fourth disgruntled viewer typed: "I thought Craigs comments about the dance being more of a 'rumba' were a bit unnecessary because he didnt choreograph it? He just danced what he was told to and he did an amazing job I felt so bad."

Speaking on his intro VT, George said of his mum, Nicky: "Unfortunately, recently she got diagnosed with cancer, nobody deserves what she has gone through, but least of all her. It feels like it's taking up so much of her life now."

In the past, George has spoken about his mother's health, revealing that when he was just 16, she was diagnosed with a form of brain inflammation called encephalitis. George said of his mum: "She's the most selfless person I've ever met. When she came out of hospital was apologise for what shed put us through."

The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000.

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