Craig Revel Horwood blames Strictly production as he feels 'misunderstood' after backlash

Strictly Come Dancing's Craig Revel Horwood has opened up about being "misunderstood", due to his reputation for being the show's harshest critic.

The 59 year old dance professional and choreographer, originally from Melbourne and now based in London, is infamous for setting high standards that are challenging for celebrity contestants to meet.

This season, he continued his trademark critical approach, playfully sparring with eventual winner Chris McCausland, who humorously remarked on his struggle to impress Craig.

However, during the grand finale on Saturday, Craig was moved by Chris's performance to the classic 'You'll Never Walk Alone', awarding the comedian a 10 for the first time.

Despite his stern on-screen persona, Craig insists that his true coaching style is much more supportive. Speaking on Kate Thornton's White Wine Question Time podcast, he addressed the backlash from Strictly viewers over his tough critiques.

He explained that the nature of the show forces him to be concise with his feedback, saying: "I get obviously misunderstood on a programme like Strictly Come Dancing. I think only because I have 10 seconds to say what's wrong with the dance."

Craig added, "And that's tough, you know? So I have to be really quick. I've got to be to the point. You know, if I was coaching them, I could look on X Factor, you'd get coaching.", reports Lancs Live.

Craig Revel Horwood displayed his softer side during Saturday's Strictly Come Dancing final, as he dedicated a heartfelt poem to the show's first-ever blind contestant, Scouse comedian Chris. The audience was deeply moved when Craig recited his composition on live television, saying: "In a world of darkness, you've learnt to dance and slay.

"With every step, you've found your way. You've taught the world anything can be done as long as you don't stick out your bum. No shoulders raised with swing and sway, with every heel lead, you discovered the day.

"A heart that dances, pure and free is worth much more than a 10 from me. And Chris, you're a light that shines for all to see."

Chris, visibly touched by the tribute, invited Craig to join him on the dance floor for an embrace.

Speaking on Kate's podcast, Craig revealed his philosophy on nurturing talent, stating: "I don't think you need a knife in someone's back. And I don't think you need to threaten them with cutting their money. I don't think you need to do any of that sort of stuff, you know, to get the best out of people."

He added, "If I was to love, nurture, embrace, then I could show my true self."