Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left deeply divided on Saturday night after Craig Revel Horwood delivered some pointed criticism toward contestant George Clarke, following what many considered one of the most emotional performances of the series.
George and his professional dance partner Alexis Warr took to the floor with a heartfelt Rumba set to Lily Allen’s version of Somewhere Only We Know. Before dancing, George revealed that the song held profound significance within his family, as it had been played at his grandfather’s funeral. He then dedicated the performance to his mother, who is currently undergoing treatment for cancer.
George performed an emotional dance dedicated to his mum (Credit: BBC)
In his pre-dance VT, George recalled a painful memory from his teenage years: “When I was 16, I was just about to leave for hockey practice with my dad and he said, ‘I’ll just check on Mum,’ because she was feeling a bit ill. We went upstairs and she was having a seizure. She was diagnosed with a brain inflammation called encephalitis.”
Craig gave some constructive feedback to George (Credit: BBC)
Describing her strength, he told Alexis: “She’s the most selfless person I think I’ve ever met. When she came out of hospital, the first thing she did was apologise for what she put us through.” George added that her recent cancer diagnosis had been another devastating blow: “Nobody deserves what she’s gone through, least of all her. It feels like it’s taken up so much of her life now.”
The emotional weight of the story was clear on the ballroom floor, and both the judges and audience members appeared visibly moved by the performance. Many viewers commented online that it was one of George’s most expressive and vulnerable dances to date.
Viewers were divided over Craig’s feedback to George (Credit: BBC)
However, judge Craig Revel Horwood’s critique quickly shifted the tone. He began by acknowledging the emotional storytelling but did not hold back on the technical shortcomings: “Technically, it wasn’t great, I have to be honest. Actually, it wasn’t a Rumba — it was difficult to judge. I’m supposed to be judging a Rumba, but you danced a contemporary routine that belongs in musical theatre.”
Craig continued: “The story was absolutely magnificent, you told that beautifully. You will win the audience votes with that. But unfortunately, you won’t win my vote. It technically was not great… I’m sorry to say. It was a beautiful story, so thank you for sharing that.”
The moment immediately sparked debate online. Some viewers criticised Craig for what they felt was unnecessarily sharp delivery, especially considering the emotional nature of the dance. Comments included:
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“I agree with Craig to an extent because it didn’t feel like a Rumba, but the way he said it felt harsh.”
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“Craig was critical to Vicky earlier, but what he said to George was downright cruel — and then he gave a 6? What’s his deal?”
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“The way Craig spoke to George was unfair and honestly spiteful. You can’t blame him for choreography he doesn’t control.”
Yet others defended Craig’s honesty, arguing that Strictly is first and foremost a dance competition:
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“I liked George’s dance, but Craig is telling the truth. It wasn’t a Rumba.”
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“Beautiful storytelling, but yes — the choreography leaned more contemporary than Rumba.”
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“I love George, but Craig’s comments were fair from a technical standpoint.”
The clash of opinions highlighted the ongoing debate familiar to Strictly fans every year: what matters more — emotional storytelling or technical precision? While George’s performance left a strong emotional impact on many viewers, Craig’s critique served as a reminder that the competition still demands strict adherence to dance genre and technique.
(Sources: Yahoo News UK, Yahoo News Canada, The Sun)
