Craig Revel Horwood criticises ‘ridiculous’ complaints about Strictly drag routine: ‘If you can’t grow with society, turn it off’
‘If you’re not going to open your eyes then turn the TV off,’ Horwood commented
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Craig Revel Horwood says that Strictly Come Dancing viewers who complained about a drag performance on the show should “turn the TV off”.
As part of the Musicals Week celebrations over the weekend, viewers of Saturday (5 November) night’s show were treated to an opening number from the professional dancers inspired by stage show Priscilla Queen of the Desert.
In the routine, professional dancers Johannes Radebe, Giovanni Pernice and Gorka Márquez were given a drag makeover, performing in sequinned outfits, high heels and make-up.
Despite the performance being widely praised on social media, around 150 viewers complained about it to the BBC.
Speaking to PA, Horwood said that people who complained about the Strictly routine were “ridiculous”.
"If you can’t grow with society then turn it off, it’s crazy,” he said. “You are always going to come into problems with someone complaining about something. But there was nothing.
"If people knew what Priscilla Queen of the Desert actually was, like the musical and they saw that, then they would know that the boys were acting as these characters in the play."
The judge continued: “I’m sorry but this is a part of real life and if you’re not going to open your eyes up to it then turn the TV off.”
While this was Strictly’s first drag routine, the show has taken in recent years to include more LGBTQ+ representation on the show.
In 2019, Radebe danced with Graziano di Prima during a routine by the professionals, while this year’s competition featured the first same-sex competitive partnership after Nicola Adams was paired with Katya Jones.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday on BBC One.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments