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Privacy NoticeCraig Revel Horwood, a judge on Strictly Come Dancing, has faced backlash for making an alcohol-related comment towards contestant Paul Merson, who is in recovery. Craig made the comment during the Saturday, September 28, episode of the hit BBC show, following an energetic salsa performance by Paul and his professional partner Karen Hauer to Pitbull’s Fireball. In the routine, Paul was cooking at a BBQ with a drink in his hand before setting down the glass and beginning to dance. Afterwards, judge Craig suggested that alcohol had boosted Paul’s confidence, despite the former Arsenal player being candid about his past battles with addiction.
Paul Merson with his dance partner Karen Hauer
(Image: No credit)
Craig said: “It was like a comedy dance at a wedding I’m afraid. It was really not good. Those shunts were terrible.” He then said of the props at the start: “Obviously the drinks at the BBQ gave you the confidence to do that.” Paul quickly responded: “I don’t drink.” Viewers took to X to express their disappointment in Craig’s comment, with one criticising his lack of research on the contestants. One person said: “Did Craig really just say he thought the drinks at the barbecue gave Paul Merson confidence. Tactless in the extreme”, reports the Mirror. Another social media user commented: “Oh gosh not really good of Craig to make a drinks joke to Paul Merson.” One more voiced their disapproval, remarking: “Well that was a massive faux pas on Craig’s behalf. Clearly doesn’t know Paul is an Alcoholic.”
Show judge Craig Revel Horwood has been criticised by Strictly Come Dancing viewers after making a comment to Paul Merson about alcohol during Saturday’s live show
(Image: BBC)
Another unimpressed comment read: “Bit of a faux pas to talk about drinks at the barbecue to Paul Merson, someone famously sober after years of excessive drinking.” Paul has previously been open about his battles with alcohol and substance abuse, which he discussed during his appearance on the 2019 ITV series, Harry’s Heroes: The Full English. In a heartfelt confession in 2021, he disclosed: “I’ve been addicted to alcohol and cocaine, but by far the most destructive and the only one I’m still struggling with is gambling. If I want to get drunk or high, I have to put something up my nose or down me. Gambling’s already in you, just waiting constantly, talking to you.” During another interview, he openly talked about his battles with gambling addiction. He described it as the ‘most destructive’ habit he’s ever had, acknowledging how challenging recovery can be. He shared: “Losing the deposit to the house I was going to buy during the lockdown was heart breaking for me but also for my wife and children,”. “That’s the thing with addiction, it affects not just the addict but that person’s whole eco-system. I truly believe that rather than being a set point in time, addiction recovery is a lifelong journey. I also know how hard it can be to seek help and that’s why it’s important to have as many easily accessible services as possible available for people to choose from.”Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnCraig Revel HorwoodStrictly Come Dancing
