Craig Revel Horwood was slammed for his (Image: BBC)
judge has sparked uproar with a tactless remark to former footballer .
After his performance with Karen Hauer to Pitbull’s Fireball, the judges gave their thoughts on his dance technique.
Craig quickly stuck the knife in, as he said: “I see the drinks at the bar gave you the confidence to do that,” as Paul quickly interjected: “I don’t drink.”
Craig added: “It was like a comedy dance at a wedding, those shunts were terrible. You are glued to the floor while Karen dances around you” as the room was rocked by boos.
He concluded: “However, I’ve got to commend you on the lifts.”
Paul Merson was quick to shut down Craig’s comment (Image: BBC)
Fans rushed to social media to share their fury, as one said: “Craig’s comment to was in very poor taste. I hope he gets an apology.”
Another added: “Well that was a massive faux pas on Craig’s behalf. Clearly doesn’t know Paul is an Alcoholic.”
A third chipped in: “Bit of a faux pas to talk about drinks at the barbecue to , someone famously sober after years of excessive drinking.”
A fourth wrote: “Did Craig really just say he thought the drinks at the bbq gave confidence. Tactless in the extreme.”
A fifth agreed: “That’s a nasty comment from Craig! As Paul is a recovering addict I doubt he’d be having a drink at a BBQ!”
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Paul has been open about his problems with excessive drinking and substance abuse in the past, opening up on 2019 ITV series Harry’s Heroes: The Full English, a 2019 ITV documentary.
He also opened up in 2021, saying: “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.”