Brief Introduction of Craig Revel Horwood
Craig Revel Horwood is a highly respected and multifaceted Australian-British personality, renowned for his extensive career as a dancer, choreographer, theatre director, and author. He is most famously known as the sharp-tongued and discerning judge on the BBC’s immensely popular television show, “Strictly Come Dancing,” a role he has held since its inception in 2004. Horwood’s formidable reputation is built on his exacting standards and theatrical flair, making him one of the most recognisable figures in British entertainment. Beyond the glitter of the ballroom, he has forged a distinguished career in West End theatre, earning nominations for the prestigious Laurence Olivier Award for his exceptional choreography. His work spans numerous acclaimed productions, both in the UK and internationally, cementing his status as a leading creative force in the performing arts.
Craig Revel Horwood Overview
| Full Name | Craig Revel Horwood |
| Date of Birth | 4 January 1965 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 60 |
| Birthplace | Ballarat, Victoria, Australia |
| Profession | Dancer, Choreographer, Theatre Director, Television Personality, Author |
| Husband/Wife | Jane Horwood (m. 1990; div. 1992) |
| Family | Information not publicly available in detail |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Jonathan Myring (engaged) |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be around £1-2 million |
Early Life and Education of Craig Revel Horwood
Craig Revel Horwood was born in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, on January 4, 1965. He was the second of five children. His father, Phil, was a former lieutenant in the Royal Australian Navy, and Horwood has spoken about his father’s alcoholism and the profound impact it had on their family life. From a young age, dance provided an escape for Horwood. He began his dance training in his hometown and later moved to Melbourne to further pursue his passion. It was here that he landed his first professional role in a production of “West Side Story”. Horwood has also revealed that as a teenager, he struggled with anorexia and body dysmorphia. In his autobiography, he disclosed that at 17, he earned money by performing as a drag queen in various clubs and bars. Driven by the ambition to take advantage of greater opportunities in the dance world, he moved to London in 1989. He later became a British citizen on August 20, 2011.
Craig Revel Horwood’s Career
Craig Revel Horwood’s career is a testament to his versatility and enduring presence in the entertainment industry. After moving to London, he quickly established himself in the West End. His early performing credits include prominent roles in iconic musicals such as “Cats,” “Miss Saigon,” and “Crazy for You”. His talent, however, was not confined to performance. He transitioned seamlessly into choreography and direction, where he would make a significant mark. His work as a choreographer for “Spend Spend Spend” and “My One and Only” earned him two Laurence Olivier Award nominations.
Horwood’s directorial and choreographic portfolio is extensive, featuring a wide range of productions across the UK and internationally. He has directed and choreographed UK tours of major musicals like “Chess,” “Sister Act The Musical,” and “Strictly Ballroom The Musical”. His international work includes productions in South Africa, Amsterdam, and Toronto. Furthermore, Horwood has directed the hugely popular “Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour” for many years.
The defining moment of his television career came in 2004 when he joined the judging panel of the BBC’s “Strictly Come Dancing”. As the only judge to have appeared in every series since its inception, he has become an integral part of the show’s success. Known for his stringent critiques and signature catchphrases like “fab-u-lous,” he is often considered the panel’s most formidable critic. His television presence extends beyond “Strictly,” with appearances on “Dancing with the Stars” in Australia and New Zealand, “Comic Relief Does Fame Academy,” and numerous other guest spots on panel shows and documentaries. In 2021, he appeared on “The Masked Dancer” as Knickerbocker Glory and also co-starred in “Craig and Bruno’s Great British Road Trips” with fellow judge Bruno Tonioli.
Horwood is also a published author, having penned several autobiographies, including “All Balls and Glitter: My Life,” “Tales from the Dance Floor,” and “In Strictest Confidence”. He has also written a novel titled “Dances and Dreams on Diamond Street”. In 2024, he released his debut album, “Revelations: Songs Boys Don’t Sing,” and embarked on a UK tour to promote it in 2025.
Craig Revel Horwood Personal Life & Family
Craig Revel Horwood’s personal life has been as colourful as his on-screen persona. He was married to Jane Horwood from 1990 to 1992. The couple met while sharing a house in London during his time in the musical “Miss Saigon”. In his autobiography, Horwood explained that his wife left him for another man. He has since stated that he identifies as gay. Despite their separation, he and Jane remain good friends, with Jane even managing his website.
Horwood has been in a long-term relationship with horticulturalist Jonathan Myring since 2018. The couple, who met on the “Strictly” tour, have a notable age difference, with Myring being 22 years his junior. They announced their engagement in April 2020 after a memorable proposal in Tasmania. Their wedding plans have been postponed several times due to the pandemic and home renovations, with a potential date set for 2027. The couple resides in a historic seven-bedroom property in King’s Cliffe, Northamptonshire.
Horwood has also been open about his challenging upbringing, particularly his father’s struggle with alcoholism. He is a patron of the Royal Osteoporosis Society, a cause close to his heart as his mother has also suffered from bone disease.
Awards and Achievements of Craig Revel Horwood
- Nomination for Laurence Olivier Award for Best Choreography for “Spend Spend Spend”.
- Nomination for Laurence Olivier Award for Best Choreography for “My One and Only”.
- Winner of the BBC Two series “Maestro at the Opera” in 2012.
- Winner of “Celebrity MasterChef”.
- Received an honorary degree.
Craig Revel Horwood Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Craig Revel Horwood’s net worth is estimated to be between £1 million and £2 million. His substantial income is derived from a variety of sources. A significant portion comes from his long-standing role as a judge on the BBC’s “Strictly Come Dancing.” In addition to his television work, he earns a considerable amount from his extensive career as a theatre director and choreographer for numerous West End and touring productions. His annual participation in pantomimes also contributes to his earnings. Horwood is a published author with several autobiographies and a novel to his name, which provide a steady stream of royalties. Furthermore, his solo tours, live appearances, and the release of his debut album add to his diverse income portfolio.
Legacy and Influence
Craig Revel Horwood has carved out a unique and enduring legacy in the British entertainment landscape. As the longest-serving judge on “Strictly Come Dancing,” he has played a pivotal role in the show’s phenomenal and sustained success, bringing ballroom dancing to a primetime audience of millions. His acerbic wit, exacting standards, and theatrical pronouncements have made him a household name and an iconic figure in British popular culture. Beyond his television persona, Horwood’s influence extends deep into the world of theatre. His innovative and acclaimed choreography and direction have graced numerous West End stages and national tours, earning him prestigious award nominations and critical respect. He has helped to shape and revitalise classic musicals for new audiences. By being openly gay and candid about his personal life and past struggles, he has also become a visible role model within the LGBTQ+ community. His patronage of the Royal Osteoporosis Society demonstrates a commitment to using his platform for charitable causes.
Interesting Facts about Craig Revel Horwood
- His middle name is Revel, and it is not double-barrelled.
- He is a patron of the National Animal Welfare Trust.
- He participated in the BBC genealogy series “Who Do You Think You Are?” where he discovered his great-great-grandfather was a convict transported to Australia.
- Before his dance career took off, he worked as a makeup artist.
- He has his own brand of Australian wines.
- In 2021, he was unmasked as “Knickerbocker Glory” on the television show “The Masked Dancer”.
- He directed the opening ceremonies for the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.
Controversies
Throughout his long tenure on “Strictly Come Dancing,” Craig Revel Horwood has occasionally been at the centre of controversies, often stemming from his direct and sometimes harsh critiques of contestants. He has faced criticism in the past for perceived bias towards certain celebrity dancers. More recently, in light of allegations of abusive behaviour on the show involving some of the professional dancers, Horwood has stated that the claims came as a “shock” to him, emphasizing that the judges are kept separate from the rehearsal process and only see the final performances on Saturdays. He has also been known for making candid, and sometimes controversial, comments about fellow judges and past contestants in interviews.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not disclosed
- Twitter – Information not disclosed
- YouTube – Information not disclosed
Final Words about Craig Revel Horwood
Craig Revel Horwood remains a formidable and beloved figure in the entertainment world. As he continues his reign as the longest-serving judge on “Strictly Come Dancing,” his influence on British television and theatre is undeniable. His journey from a dancer in Australia to a celebrated choreographer, director, and television personality is a story of ambition and artistic passion. While his sharp critiques on the dance floor have become his trademark, his extensive body of work in the theatre showcases a deep commitment to the performing arts. Looking to the future, Horwood continues to embrace new challenges, including his recent foray into music with his debut album and solo tour. With his wedding to Jonathan Myring on the horizon and his ongoing creative projects, Craig Revel Horwood’s enduring legacy as a multifaceted and “fab-u-lous” entertainer is secure.
