Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has previously opened up about the devastating moment he learned he had arthritis at just 48 years old — a diagnosis that left him “stunned” and forced him to confront the “horrible truth” behind years of worsening pain.

Craig, now 60, has been a familiar face on British television for two decades thanks to his role on the BBC’s glittering dance competition. But behind the scenes, the professional dancer and choreographer endured an agonising period in his life triggered by a serious injury during a theatre performance.

Craig Revel Horwood’s crippling pain after stage injury

The incident occurred in 2013 while Craig was performing in a pantomime production of Snow White. What he assumed was a pulled ligament soon revealed itself to be far more severe. Reflecting on the ordeal, he told The Mirror in 2014:

“I thought I had pulled a ligament but the horrible truth was that I had put my hip out, and it was out of its socket for the panto run.”

Despite the intense discomfort, Craig admitted he tried to push through the pain. Instead of seeking immediate medical attention, he coped by “popping painkillers and having a three-hour massage every other day,” hoping the issue would eventually ease.

However, the situation quickly deteriorated. The pain became “progressively worse,” and Craig soon realised he could no longer ignore it. Finally, he visited a specialist, where X-rays and an MRI scan were carried out — leading to a shocking diagnosis.

The Strictly star seriously injured himself over 10 years ago (Credit: BBC)

Craig left ‘stunned’ by arthritis diagnosis

Craig revealed he was floored by what doctors told him:

“I was stunned when the doctor said I had arthritis and needed a hip replacement. I was only 48.”

The dancer explained that years of demanding choreography and ballet training had worn down both hip joints. This natural wear and tear was intensified by a genetic predisposition — his mother suffers from rheumatoid arthritis — though Craig himself was diagnosed with osteoarthritis.

The dancer was told he had arthritis (Credit: ITV)

Two major surgeries and a long road to recovery

Craig underwent his first hip replacement shortly after his diagnosis, but the recovery was gruelling. He spent time in a wheelchair before transitioning to crutches. Only after months of determination and rehabilitation was he able to dance again.

In 2018, Craig required a second hip replacement, another physically and emotionally challenging milestone. Despite these setbacks, he has emerged stronger and healthier, often crediting his surgeries for restoring his mobility and easing years of chronic pain.

Now at 60, Craig insists he is fitter than ever and has no intention of stepping down from Strictly Come Dancing — a show he continues to judge with his signature sharp, uncompromising style.

Strictly Come Dancing returns this Saturday at 6:25 pm on BBC One.

(Source: The Mirror)