Craig Revel Horwood has admitted he is “shocked” Dame Darcey Bussell decided to leave Strictly Come Dancing, but said she made the right decision. Referring to the professional ballerina as his “best mate” in a candid interview, the choreographer blasted reports she left due to a pay rise snub and fallout with fellow judge Bruno Tonioli. Commenting on claims Shirley Ballas, 58, and Bruno, 63, made more than he and Darcey, he said: “That’s absolute rubbish. It depends what else you do for the BBC. “The same was said about Len [Goodman] and Bruno earning more than Darcey and I. That was because Len did that dreadful Partners in Rhyme show. Darcey and I are absolutely fine.”
Of her alleged rift with Bruno, he joked: “His theatricals annoy everyone, darling, not just Darcey.”
Speaking in an interview with The Mirror, the 54-year-old professional dancer revealed he had reached out to Darcey privately after the news of her departure was made public.
Also, the Dancing with the Stars in Australia star took a thinly-veiled swipe at those who paid tribute to her on micro-blogging websites.
“I’ve sent her a private message – unlike everyone else who sends their condolences as though she’s dead! Which makes me laugh.
“She’s not died, she’s just left the show. She’s got a life to lead – she’s a Dame, she doesn’t need it.”
