Craig Revel Horwood scouts 'The X Factor' for talent for his West End musicals.
Craig Revel Horwood
The 'Strictly Come Dancing' judge has admitted he watches the rival TV talent show - despite the competitive Saturday night ratings battles between the two programmes - in the hope of finding fresh faces for his own productions.
The 53-year-old choreographer told the Daily Star newspaper: "I do watch 'The X Factor'. I do a lot of casting for my West End musicals on that show.
"It's great for talent. I must thank Simon Cowell for introducing me to talented people."
The budding theatre director - who has helmed productions of 'Miss Saigon', 'West Side Story' and 'Sunset Boulevard' - previously said he wanted 'The X Factor' to "keep going" after he employed former winner Alexandra Burke in his 'Sister Act' show.
He explained: "I'd love to keep 'The X Factor' going because I've employed Alexandra Burke in my 'Sister Act' show.
"Simon Cowell is doing all the leg work for me in finding stars."
This summer, Craig - who has been a 'Strictly' judge since the show began in 2004 - suggested his 59-year-old rival Simon could improve 'The X Factor' ratings by appearing on 'Strictly'.
He quipped: "He might need to do it after this year's dismal 'X Factor' ratings. At least he'd get more viewers that way."
"Simon would fit right in on the dancefloor with those high trousers."
The dancer also admitted he thinks 'Strictly' trumps 'The X Factor' because the show features established celebrities as opposed to "wannabes".
He said: "We have celebrities whereas on 'The X Factor' they're wannabes hoping to be famous."
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