Strictly Come Dancing's Motsi Mabuse says Craig Revel-Horwood is 'the sweetest' off-air

31 July 2023

Motsi Mabuse likes to drink wine with Craig Revel Horwood before they judge together on 'Strictly Come Dancing.'

Motsi Mabuse loves working with Craig Revel-Horwood

The 42-year-old dancer judges alongside Craig on the BBC One Latin and ballroom competition - which is set to return in September with contestants like broadcaster Angela Rippon, 78, ‘Waterloo Road’ star Adam Thomas, 34, and former ‘Love Island’ contestant Zara McDermott, 26 - but revealed that despite his villainous persona on the show, he is actually “adorable” when the cameras are off.

She told the Daily Star newspaper’s Hot TV column: “We drink wine before the show.

“Off camera, Craig is adorable. He is the sweetest.

“He’s been doing the show for 20 years or whatever… and I’ve never heard Craig complain one tiny little bit. He’s sweet.

Motsi detailed how she didn’t take wasn't offended by her fellow TV star Craig, 58, dubbing her “a diva” in an interview last year.

She quipped: “He was joking.”

Motsi acknowledged the “history” that Craig has been involved with and how much he has “taught” her.

She said: “Craig has got a lot of history and he’s taught me a lot.”

Motsi - who with her sister Oti grew up in South Africa and Germany - recently revealed that she has trouble understanding AJ Odudu, 35, with her northern accent and often gets Craig to help her on-air.

During her recent appearance on the Ed Gamble, 37, and James Acaster, 38, podcast ‘Off Menu’, she said: “I really struggle with people that come from the north. I’m like, can you please translate at this point? It’s so strong, I just don’t understand, really. I’m being honest.

“Yes! Yes, yes, yes. But there have been quite a few people from the north, so I’m always asking Craig. I’m just trying to understand … but it’s not easy.”

“The thing is, you [Britons] all speak differently. Every time I’m in the country I really have to concentrate. Some people I just don’t know … I’m just like, ‘Are we speaking the same language? There’s a lot of accents here.”