A fresh Strictly Come Dancing feud is brewing, with veteran judge Craig Revel Horwood firing back 

at former professional dancer Ola Jordan after she suggested that he should be replaced with someone “spicier.” 

The drama began when Ola, speaking back in December 2024, criticized the BBC dance competition for becoming “too nicey nicey” 

and claimed that the judging panel needed more edge to maintain its appeal to viewers. 

Her comments, which only recently reached Craig, sparked a fiery response from the 60-year-old judge.

Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Craig didn’t hold back, 

sarcastically suggesting that Ola’s husband, fellow Strictly pro James Jordan, could be a potential replacement. He wrote: “Former Strictly pro Ola Jordan says ‘nicey nice’ Craig Revel Horwood replaced with ‘spicier’ judge. Maybe you’d like to suggest your wonderful husband Ola? @The_OlaJordan.” This sharp retort quickly caught the attention of fans, who eagerly weighed in on the spat.

Many fans supported Craig, with some even mocking James Jordan’s reputation. One fan cheekily quipped: “You’re the best judge there, and no thanks to Mr Jordon that popular that I can’t remember his first name.” Another fan reacted with a simple “Oh God no,” while another shared a humorous gif of a woman choking on her drink with laughter, captioned “F***ing hilarious.” However, not all fans understood Craig’s post. One fan, possibly misunderstanding the context, expressed concern over his future on the show, stating, “Please don’t tell me that you are leaving… Honestly sick fed up now… You are the best judge on Strictly… Irreplaceable in my opinion… Strictly has lost the plot.”

Ola’s comments about Craig’s role on the show were made during an interview with Mecca Bingo, where she suggested that Craig had “lost his sparkle.” She argued that the Strictly judges, including Craig, had become overly positive and lacked the sharpness that originally made the show exciting. “People loved Craig for what he was before,” she said, implying that Craig’s once-cutting remarks had been softened by pressure from production. Ola hinted that the show’s producers had told Craig to tone down his criticisms in favor of more encouraging feedback. According to her, this shift in tone had made the show feel more predictable and less engaging.

“They’re all the same every year, so maybe they need a new judge – someone with a bit more spice on the panel. You could even have a different guest judge every week,” she suggested. These comments added fuel to the fire, as Craig’s response on social media showed that the critique had not gone unnoticed.

In the past, Craig’s no-holds-barred style of judging was a key part of what made him a standout personality on Strictly Come Dancing. He gained a reputation for his blunt and often brutal feedback, which made him a polarizing figure among fans and contestants alike. However, Craig has since reflected on his past approach, acknowledging that some of his previous comments could now be seen as too harsh or even bullying.

Speaking to Radio Times in a candid interview, Craig admitted that his earlier judging style was much tougher, even describing it as “cutting.” He explained, “I was really harsh 20 years ago. When I look back, I think, ‘Ooh, that’s cutting.’ It would now be classed as bullying, and then I’d be cancelled.” Craig clarified that he wasn’t afraid of being “cancelled,” but rather, he realized that his role as a judge has evolved. “It’s not fear of being cancelled. It’s just, how can I reach out to them and help them to improve, rather than just saying, ‘This is wrong, that’s wrong.’ I’m thinking more like a teacher than a judge,” he explained.

Craig’s shift toward a more positive and supportive approach reflects broader changes in the television landscape, where audiences are increasingly favoring kinder, more constructive feedback over harsh criticism. While some viewers may miss the “spicy” edge that Ola Jordan is advocating for, it seems that Strictly producers are committed to creating an atmosphere that prioritizes encouragement and improvement rather than sharp-tongued commentary.

The feud between Craig and Ola Jordan serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by long-running television shows like Strictly Come Dancing, where maintaining viewer interest often requires balancing tradition with innovation. As the panel prepares for the upcoming season, it remains to be seen whether Craig will continue to embrace a kinder approach or if he will return to his sharper roots to satisfy fans craving more spice. Regardless, the fiery exchange between the two stars proves that the drama on Strictly extends far beyond the dance floor.

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