Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has been forced to make a grovelling apology to Stacey Dooley after making hurtful jibes about her relationship with her pro dance partner Kevin Clifton.
The acid-tongued 54-year-old initially suggested contestants be inspired by the documentary maker’s success on the dance floor, saying she had been “dragged up from the dance gutter”.
However, things took a nasty turn when suddenly added: “Of course, if you sleep with your dance partner that helps...”
The spiteful and incredibly snide remark is said to have sent shockwaves through the studio, with horrified BBC bosses immediately halting filming.
Craig was immediately berated by Strictly bosses, who ordered him to apologise, according to The Sun .
He later issued a grovelling apology, which read: “I’m deeply sorry for the offence caused to Kevin and Stacey and everyone who works on the show.
“I recognise that what I said was hurtful, cruel and incredibly disrespectful. It was a huge error of judgment that I very much regret.”
Worried aides rushed to see if Stacey and her family, who were in the audience, were OK after the audience was left stunned by the disgraceful remarks.
It was reported that Stacey’s mum Di was so disgusted and hurt that she allegedly left the studio in tears.
Stacey and her dance partner Kevin lifted the coveted Glitterball trophy last year, and began dating shortly after.
The remark was allegedly made after reigning Strictly champs took to the floor for a routine during a pre-recorded launch show episode, set to air next weekend.
Following their performance, host Tess Daly asked judges Craig, Bruno Tonioli, Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse for their advice to this year’s cast.
It was at this moment that Craig unleashed his bitter remarks, leaving everyone visibly shocked.
It is believed that the show’s executive producers have chosen not to air Craig’s offensive remarks, and the sequence was re-filmed.
Strictly Come Dancing 2019 returns Saturday September 7 on BBC One at 7.10pm, kicking off with a dazzling launch show.
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