Craig Revel Horwood holds back tears as Strictly contestant reminds him of 'dear Len Goodman'

From the Newshound archive · first published 11 October 2026.

Craig Revel Horwood came close to breaking down on Saturday's Strictly Come Dancing after canine expert Graeme Hall's jive triggered a heartfelt tribute to the late head judge Len Goodman. Hall and professional partner Lauren Oakley performed to Jackie Wilson's 'Reet Petite', prompting Craig to tell the dancefloor: 'I felt like I was watching dear Len Goodman, darling — it brought back memories and I felt a bit emosh.' Fellow judge Motsi Mabuse embraced Craig before he snapped back into character, insisting 'I'm not going to cry, don't worry.'

Len Goodman judged Strictly for 12 years from 2004 before stepping down in 2016 and died aged 78 from prostate cancer.

Elsewhere in week three, Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington topped the leaderboard with a score of 33, while Shaun Wright-Phillips and Alexis Warr languished at the bottom with just 15.

Ian Wright made a surprise appearance at son Shaun's rehearsals, saying he was 'very proud' of the former footballer.