Strictly's Craig Revel Horwood 'awkward' remark about Shayne Ward after exit

Strictly Come Dancing's judge, Craig Revel Horwood, has been caught making some rather awkward remarks about Shayne Ward following the explosive results show on Sunday night. The tension was palpable as Shayne Ward faced off against GoCompare's Wynne Evans in a nail-biting dance-off.

Judges Craig and Motsi Mabuse voted to keep the X-Factor sensation in the competition, but when Anton Du Beke threw his support behind Wynne, it all came down to Shirley Ballas' decision, which ultimately led to Shayne's departure.

Discussing Shayne and his dance partner Nancy Xu, Craig expressed his initial optimism for the former Coronation Street actor, stating in Best magazine: "Shayne has turned a corner. He is shaping up to be one of the best male celebrities. He really nails his routines and has got great natural rhythm."

He added: "He put his heart and soul into the rhumba and that is not an easy dance - it can be awkward to do." Shayne's journey on the BBC One dancing competition came to an end over the weekend, making him the seventh star to leave after finding himself in the dreaded dance-off for the third occasion.

The results show on Sunday (November 10) featured two couples battling it out once more, with Shayne and Nancy performing their rumba to Cyndi Lauper's Time After Time, while Wynne and Katya returned to the stage with their American Smooth to MIKA's Grace Kelly, reported the Mirror.

After learning their fate in the star-studded studio, Shayne and Nancy made an appearance on Strictly spin-off It Takes Two on Monday (November 11) to discuss their departure with host Fleur East. They shared a poignant moment reflecting on their journey on the series, with Nancy seen wiping away tears.

Subsequently, Shayne took to social media to honour his dance partner. Alongside a touching photo of him kissing her hand during what turned out to be their final performance together, the ex-Coronation Street actor stated: "From the moment I met you I knew this was going to be special. I'm a believer that 'everything happens for a reason'."

"This may have been our last dance together on @bbcstrictly but it's not our last dance in life. I have grown in so many ways because of your guidance...Your belief, your determination to help me let myself go. I was so grateful for the endless support day in, day out. For me I was honestly given the best partner! (Huge Love to all others partners too). This experience has been a rollercoaster of emotions.. highs lows and endless spins. And I would do it all again if you asked me."

In the wake of the singer's exit from the contest, numerous people felt the father-of-two was "robbed" as viewers expressed on social media that Shirley had made the "wrong decision" opting for Wynne over Shayne.