Amy Dowden Defends Craig Revel Horwood on Strictly Come Dancing

Professional dancer Amy Dowden has defended Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood's famously critical approach, describing him as a kind person away from the cameras. Speaking to Lewis Nicholls on The Lewis Nicholls Show, the 36-year-old Welsh dancer explained why his stern television persona differs from his off-screen personality.

Dowden's comments, published by AOL and the Mirror on October 10, 2026, also covered her relationships with the BBC competition's judging panel and her experiences returning to the show following significant health challenges.

Dowden said she appreciates Horwood's direct feedback, arguing that his strict standards reflect his professional responsibilities rather than his personality outside the judging chair.

"He's honest though, I love it. He's, and off stage, he is the loveliest, nicest person. He puts that professional hat on when he's in that chair," Dowden said.

She also explained why she considers constructive criticism an important part of the competition, where celebrity contestants can continue developing their dancing skills.

"And I think, yeah, you can always find something that someone needs to work on," Dowden said.

During the podcast conversation, host Lewis Nicholls also discussed Horwood's characteristically restrained facial expressions when awarding contestants a perfect score, even as audiences react enthusiastically.

Dowden also reflected on the judging panel's other members, including Anton Du Beke, who previously performed as a professional dancer on the program before becoming a judge.

"Yeah, absolutely. And he was part of the pro lineup when I obviously joined for a few years before he took that step up as a judge. And I've known Shirley for years," Dowden said.

She praised head judge Shirley Ballas and fellow judge Motsi Mabuse for their contributions to the BBC competition, highlighting their expertise and distinctive personalities.

"She's amazing, and she's like, she is the queen of Latin. And Motsi, her abundance of energy and charisma, it's just brilliant," Dowden said.

Beyond discussing the judging panel, Dowden has continued her return to Strictly following treatment for breast cancer, which she was diagnosed with in 2023. According to the source reports, she has since received confirmation that there is no evidence of disease and returned to the program alongside celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton.

Dowden also lives with Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition diagnosed when she was 19 after years of severe pain, vomiting, exhaustion, and repeated hospital admissions.

During the podcast, she recalled the difficulties she faced while seeking a diagnosis. One doctor suspected an eating disorder and told her to "go and eat a Mars bar".

Her family was distressed by the lack of answers, and her father eventually threatened legal action after she spent six weeks in hospital without receiving a diagnosis. Dowden was subsequently transferred to University College London, where a consultant suspected Crohn's disease after listening to her symptoms.

Dowden also reflected on how years of medical examinations and hospital treatment helped prepare her for the challenges associated with her later breast cancer diagnosis.