BBC One Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood speaks about move to Stamford area and wedding at Rutland Water
A television star has had a fab-u-lous time since waltzing into the community.
Craig Revel Horwood, best known for being the longest-serving judge on Strictly Come Dancing, moved to King’s Cliffe at the end of 2021.
He left his luxury Hampshire home for a seven bedroom property dating back to 1867 in the heart of the picturesque village and so far the area has received a rare 10 from the notoriously harsh star.
Despite being a lover of the glitz and the glam, Craig has quickly adjusted to village life – only drawing attention when stopped by fans for photos.
Craig, 58, said: “I love the local area and the history of it. It is relaxing. Living here feels like a holiday.”
The move to the area was inspired by his partner Jonathan Myring, who has family and friends in the Leicester and Rutland area. It’s central location also makes it easier for Craig, who is constantly travelling up and down the country for work.
The couple, who got engaged in 2020, will soon be taking on a big renovation project so they can ‘put their own stamp’ on their new home.
The stunning grounds have the Willow Brook, a tributary of the River Nene, running through and an outdoor swimming pool, which Craig admits he only needs a little bit of sunshine to tempt him to.
It is also the perfect location for a party.
Craig describes the property as ‘very unassuming from the outside’ and not ‘in your face’ from the street.
“It will be a beautiful home,” said Craig.
The extensions over the years have resulted in the property feeling like two homes which isn’t ideal for day-to-day living but will prove handy during the renovation as it will allow them undisrupted living space.
“We have lived there long enough to know it,” said Craig.
“We have used the house first so we know how it works, although it will be a mammoth undertaking.”
While the pandemic initially halted the couple’s wedding plans, getting the house party ready means a longer wait until they say ‘I do’. Should all go to plan, they will tie the knot in August 2025.
Finer details for the big day remain under wraps but Craig revealed that the happy couple will wed at Normanton Church at Rutland Water, in an intimate ceremony surrounded by close friends and family. The church holds just 100 people.
But it will followed by a bigger and ‘more theatrical’ ceremony at their newly-renovated home which is likely to see invites extended to other celebrities and potentially royalty. Craig counts the Queen Consort Camilla among his pals.
Although Craig spends the equivalent of one month a year at home, he has immersed himself in the community and makes the most of exploring the area.
“There is so much to do,” said Craig, who has a taste for dining at The George Hotel in Stamford and Michelin-rated Hambleton Hall, but also enjoys a simpler pub meal from The Cross Keys Inn in King’s Cliffe.
He also admits he couldn’t live without the village greengrocer J Wooding and the Londis shop up the road.
When asked what his ideal day in the area is, Craig said: “I would do a bit of shopping in Stamford, then go to The George for some lunch.
“Then up to Rutland Water to walk off the food and around the viaduct, before visiting the local pub.
“I would finish the day off laying around the pool.”
While Craig is often booed on the show for his constructive - and sometimes scathing - comments, he seems to have won over the local community having been invited to open events such as Cliffefest and being named patron of North West Anglia Hospitals’ Charity.
When Craig first met his now fiance, Jonathan was working as a horticulturist.
But since being together and navigating through the pandemic the pair discovered another shared passion - supporting the NHS.
Jonathan is now pursuing a career as a paramedic while Craig is supporting NHS trusts and doctors’ surgeries in the area.
Craig has been vocal about how more support is needed for doctors, nurses and hospital staff.
His schedule is getting busier so he will be cherishing each moment in his Northamptonshire home that he can get.
Craig is starring in the tour of Annie until the end of the year and has taken on additional performances after the death of his friend and colleague Paul O’Grady.
Soon enough he will be back on our screens as Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One in September.
He will be joined by head judge Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and former Strictly professional dancer Anton Du Beke.
It marks 21 years since Craig was part of the launch of BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing where he is notorious for his harsh, yet constructive, criticism.
But it may come as a surprise that the popular judge wasn’t sure about being involved with the show, which has gone on to make him a household name
“I didn’t want to do it,” he admitted. “I didn’t think, for me, celebrities could learn to dance what professional dancers do all their lives.
“I didn’t think you could come and in two weeks learn to dance.
“We did the first show and it wasn’t too bad, by the third week it had captured the hearts and minds of the nation.”
Before the show aired Craig took part in screen tests and it was from his scepticism and comments that his Strictly ‘Mr Nasty’ persona emerged.
Although, Craig believes it is ‘always better to be honest’ and that people get his sense of humour.
And with more than 40 years of dance experience under his sparkly belt it is no surprise that he shares his expert opinion.
Craig, who was born and raised in Australia, turned to exercise and dance after not doing well in school.
Before long he appeared in shows in Australia but moved to Europe to expand his opportunities on the stage. By the 1990s, Craig began pursuing a career in directing and choreographing productions before being approached by the BBC Strictly Come Dancing team.
Craig was among those pushing for more diversity on the show, including same sex couples.
“It feels like a brand new TV show,” said Craig.
“Everyone is so individual and it is more inclusive.”
After the Mercury’s interview with Craig, it was announced that long-standing Strictly judge Len Goodman had died, aged 78, from bone cancer.
On Twitter, Craig said: I’ve just woken up to the sad news that my gorgeous colleague and dear friend Len Goodman has passed away. My heart and love go out to his lovely Sue and family. Len Goody Goodman is what I always called him and “It’s a ten from Len & seveeeeern”will live with me forever. RIP Len.”
