Strictly's Craig says stars need security to stop fans going in hotel rooms

21 January 2024 , 20:52

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The Strictly stars kicked off their tour in Birmingham (Image: JAMES CURLEY AND MAGICMOMENTSUK)

Fans are going so wild during the Strictly tour that it’s like Beatlemania, says Craig Revel Horwood.

The Strictly judge added that security has been installed to stop uninvited people getting to the stars’ hotel rooms. Craig said they are frequently greeted by excited crowds. He added: “They pack out the foyers and all sorts. It is amazing. They’re not allowed near our rooms – we have security. But people are obsessed with the show.”

“I went to see ABBA and I was mobbed. It was like I was Benny or Bjorn. You can’t control it. You just have to sort of go, ‘OK, I’ll do this, stop pushing, you’ll all get your turn’. It has been 20 years, so I’m sort of used to it. And I’m not Madonna or Cher... It could be worse.”

Bobby Brazier (JAMES CURLEY AND MAGICMOMENTSUK)

Katya Jones (JAMES CURLEY AND MAGICMOMENTSUK)

The tour kicked off at Utilita Arena Birmingham on Saturday, featuring the likes of Corrie actress Ellie Leach, 22, EastEnders actor Bobby Brazier, 20, and tennis star Annabel Croft, 57.

Craig, 59, vows to never retire from the Strictly panel. He said: “I want to hang up my dance shoes after 60, which means I’m not going to be going on stage. Sitting, holding paddles from one to four, is a lovely retirement, so I’ll stay with it until I’m dragged out of there, darling.”

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Shirley Ballas (JAMES CURLEY AND MAGICMOMENTSUK)

Anton Du Beke (JAMES CURLEY AND MAGICMOMENTSUK)

He notes he has reached the age Len Goodman was when they began on the show in 2004. Craig said: “I’m Len’s age when he started. Isn’t that mad? I started at 38 and he was 58. And I thought then, ‘Who’s the old man?’.” Len died last year aged 78.

Craig added fellow judge Anton Du Beke, 57, keeps being reprimanded on the tour. Craig said: “We’re constantly telling him off..., just [for] stuff he says. We’re very BBC, darling.” The tour also features Katya Jones, Shirley Ballas, Graziano Di Prima and Vito Coppola.

• Strictly Come Dancing the Live Tour runs until February 11. Visit StrictlyComeDancingLive.com for venues and to buy tickets.

Ashleigh Rainbird