The longest-serving judge on Strictly Come Dancing noted that the current series has seen many stars ‘answering back’

Strictly Come Dancing has now been on air for 20 years, and the only one who has been on the judging panel from the start is Craig Revel Horwood.

The 59-year-old is lovingly known as the “villain” of the judging panel, with his no-nonsense approach to offering critique.

He has faced his fair share of backlash though, and in the current series, many of the celebrities themselves have decided to argue back after receiving harsh feedback from the established dancer.

Thursday’s Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two saw Revel Horwood and fellow judge Anton Du Beke, who was a professional on the show for 18 years before joining the judges, chatting to host Janette Manrara about their fond memories from the past two decades.

When asked about the current contestants, the choreographer and theatre director shared some promising thoughts on former footballer Paul Merson.

“I’ve seen improvement in Paul, and I’m delighted with that,” he reflected. “Because he started quite badly I mean, we have to say.

“I think now, he’s actually showing some true dance colour and that’s wonderful to see. That’s what Strictly is all about, isn’t it?

“Seeing the progression, seeing someone improve and enjoying them and them gaining confidence. You know, I think that’s the important thing.”

Offering his thoughts on the group at large who are taking part in this year’s show, the veteran judge added: “It’s a great cast though, I’m loving this cast – they are so funny.”

However, he went on to point out one minor criticism as he noted: “They answer back – they answer back!”

Manrara, also a former professional on the show, laughed as she admitted: “I like that, they get involved!”

“No, I don’t like that!” Revel Horwood complained before demanding: “They need to be quiet and accept the criticism!”

However, the villainous judge was all smiles as Manrara retorted: “Oh, shush you!”

Also reflecting on the sheer talent of the series, Du Beke went on to comment: “I thought, ‘oh, this is quite a jolly bunch,’ and they came out the first week and they danced.

“And I thought, ‘actually, there’s some stuff I see.’ What I’ve found is there are a lot of people very similar – in the middle.”