EXC: Craig Revel-Horwood says Covid helped him fall in love with Strictly all over again

Craig Revel Horwood has hilariously claimed he discovered that Strictly Come Dancing – on which he has been a judge since its 2004 launch – is ‘actually really good fun’.

The choreographer, 56, made the revelation after testing positive for Covid-19 nearly two weeks ago, which forced him to pull out of his Saturday night duties.

Having watched the BBC show on the small screen for the very first time, the ballroom veteran exclusively told MailOnline: ‘I can see why people love it so much!’

Having a blast! Craig Revel Horwood hilariously claimed he discovered that Strictly Come Dancing – on which he has been a judge since its 2004 launch – is ‘actually really good fun’ (pictured in 2021)

‘It was an interesting experience to watch the show as a normal person at home because, usually, I feel like I’m working.

‘I don’t watch it as an entertainment programme but I discovered it’s actually really good fun. It made me smile and laugh and I totally got involved and hooked on it!’

‘For me, it’s work so to sit at home and see all the VTs without knowing any of the dance routines or anything like that reminded me what a wonderful show it really is. 

Craig went on to explain that, as a judge, he is able to spot mistakes in the footwork that aren’t always picked up by the camera.

'Usually, I feel like I'm working': The choreographer, 56, made the revelation after testing positive for Covid-19, which forced him to pull out of his Saturday night duties (pictured in the 2010s)

‘Usually, I feel like I’m working’: The choreographer, 56, made the revelation after testing positive for Covid-19, which forced him to pull out of his Saturday night duties (pictured in the 2010s)

He said: ‘I see the full body normally but, when you view it from home, there are close-ups and you miss some of the footwork. Things like that. You can’t always see the mistakes the judges see so that’s quite interesting.

‘Unless it’s the most amazing performance you’ve ever seen and there isn’t much to point out, which isn’t very likely, I have to establish a critique in literally seconds so that takes the enjoyment out of it.’

The conductor gushed: ‘I fell in love with the show all over again and saw it from a different perspective entirely. Now, I really understand why people love it so much.’

Throwback: Having watched the BBC show on the small screen for the very first time, the ballroom veteran told MailOnline: 'I can see why people love it so much!' (pictured in 2004: Bruno Tonioli, far-left, Arlene Phillips, centre-left, Len Goodman, centre-right, Craig, far-right)

Throwback: Having watched the BBC show on the small screen for the very first time, the ballroom veteran told MailOnline: ‘I can see why people love it so much!’ (pictured in 2004: Bruno Tonioli, far-left, Arlene Phillips, centre-left, Len Goodman, centre-right, Craig, far-right)

Talented: After Cynthia Erivo stepped in at the eleventh hour to save the day, she received the golden stamp of approval from Craig who said she 'did a wonderful job' (pictured in November 2021)

Talented: After Cynthia Erivo stepped in at the eleventh hour to save the day, she received the golden stamp of approval from Craig who said she ‘did a wonderful job’ (pictured in November 2021)

After Cynthia Erivo stepped in at the eleventh hour to save the day, she received the golden stamp of approval from Craig who said she ‘did a wonderful job’.

He said of the actress: ‘It was brilliant to be replaced with someone so amazing and I think she did a great job. She was interesting and that’s all one can hope for.

Ever-busy Craig has teamed up with Dreams and sleep expert Sammy Margo to develop a visual handbook of sleeping positions inspired by dance moves.

The Sleep Like Log guide aims to help Brits sync with their partner in order to get a better night’s sleep.

Strike a pose: Ever-busy Craig has teamed up with Dreams and sleep expert Sammy Margo to develop a visual handbook of sleeping positions inspired by dance moves

Strike a pose: Ever-busy Craig has teamed up with Dreams and sleep expert Sammy Margo to develop a visual handbook of sleeping positions inspired by dance moves 

Postures include the West Side Story Tuck Jump, which helps those prone to snoring, as well as the Jive, which assists in clearing the throat.

The drag artist said: ‘It’s about exercise, it’s about encouraging people to go out and dance a bit and then come home and try out all these weird and wonderful positions in bed.

‘So many people have problems sleeping so hopefully these dance positions will help people, not only have a laugh and some fun with it, but help get them to sleep.

Craig Revel Horwood has partnered with Dreams to co-create a guide of sleeping positions inspired by dance moves. Visit www.dreams.co.uk/sleeplikelog. 

In his element: The drag artist said: 'It's about exercise, it's about encouraging people to go out and dance a bit and then come home and try out all these weird and wonderful positions in bed'

In his element: The drag artist said: ‘It’s about exercise, it’s about encouraging people to go out and dance a bit and then come home and try out all these weird and wonderful positions in bed’

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk