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Simon Duke

Strictly's Craig Revel-Horwood calls out 'double standards' over Shirley Ballas as he's booed

Craig Revel-Horwood called out 'double standards' on Strictly Come Dancing, after he was booed by the crowd for his comments to Ellie Simmonds, despite them being very similar to those given by colleague Shirley Ballas.

Craig has always been the BBC show's 'Mr Nasty,' a role that he reveals in as he is traditionally the hardest to please judge on the panel, notorious for taking an eternity to award a 10. During the first live show, co-star Anton Du Beke, said he was worried about Craig after he gave some very generous marks, but things have retreated back to the norm in more recent weeks,

Paralympic swimming champion Ellie was the first contestant to take to the Strictly ballroom this week, as she and pro partner Nikita Kuzmin powered a energetic salsa to Shanice's 90s classic I Love Your Smile. The dentist inspired routine brought a number of impressive lifts but, while praising them, head judge Shirley also pulled Ellie up on some things, saying: "The next part for you is getting over those nerves; one or two little missteps, did you feel it? Just slightly in front of the music. A little bit more twisting and rotation, but otherwise, a good, solid performance."

READ MORE: Strictly spoiler leaks bottom two 'surprise' as fans fear upset

After Anton gave his comments, Craig told Ellie and Nikita: "Your forward and back basic needs a little more work. You need to get a little bit more of a figure of eight hip action going there; you were a little bit off time in your solo, coming out just ahead." Those remarks prompted a chorus of boos around the studio but, not taking them on the chin, Craig blasted: "Shirley said the same thing and didn't get booed. Don't start on me!"

Craig did have some positive feedback for Ellie, saying: "It was a very rhythmic performance, I loved the tricks, the somersault, around the world. Brilliant."

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