Craig Revel Horwood

The straight-talking Strictly judge talks panel personas, surprising contestants, his dad and his third autobiography.

- Hannah McClaren

At work, I do wear a hat! I’d never be like I am at home on the panel. I mean, you wouldn’t see a judge in a murder trial having a good old sauvignon blanc, would you? He wears a wig and I wear a hat. It’s my job – become someone professional, tell contestants the truth, meet them at the bar after… and hope they’re not crying in my lap!

I was brought up in Australia – Australians are very straight to the point. Sometimes my critique might sound mean, but it’s really important for me to be honest with them so they know what to work on. If a personal trainer lies to you, you’re never going to get abs.