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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Molly Pike

Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood slams Nicola Adams and Bill Bailey's chances

Strictly Come Dancing hasn't even started yet but Craig Revel Horwood is already criticising its contestants.

The judge, 55, said Nicola Adams will be "punching above her weight" with whatever female dancer she's paired with, and said Bill Bailey will be "terrible" at the competition.

His comments break the BBC's rules about Strictly judges publicly discussing the show's contestants before the series has even begun.

Speaking to The Sun about Olympian Nicola, Craig said: "I think Nicola Adams will be punching above her weight, darling."

But he did say that he is excited about Nicola, 37, being the first celebrity to compete in a same sex couple.

Strictly Come Dancing hasn't even started yet but Craig Revel Horwood is already criticising its contestants (Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
He said Nicola Adams will be 'punching above her weight' with whatever female dancer she's paired with (Getty Images)

He added: "But I am looking forward to seeing a same sex couple. That's going to be cool."

And Craig doesn't rate comedian Bill's chances of winning at all.

When asked how Bill, 55, will perform, he said: "Terrible. I'm looking forward to the disasters!"

Craig doesn't rate Bill Bailey's chances of winning at all (Getty Images)

Nicola and Bill are just two of the 12 celebrities on the line-up this year.

Other stars include Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing, EastEnders actress Maisie Smith and actress Caroline Quentin.

Radio host Clara Amfo, Good Morning Britain star Ranvir Singh, American football player Jason Bell, YouTuber HRVY and Invictus Games medallist JJ Chalmers will also be competing for the glitterball trophy this year.

The Strictly Come Dancing judges: Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas, Bruno Tonioli (BBC/Guy Levy)

Judges Craig, Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse will also come back to the show, but Bruno Tonioli will only make brief appearances as coronavirus restrictions mean he has to stay in LA.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will return as hosts.

*Strictly will return next month, with a rumoured start date of October 24.

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