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‘Who I’d love to see dance on Strictly’ Craig Revel Horwood chats exclusively to Yours about the new series of Strictly, a challenging role and finally being pain-free

By Jane Oddy he class of Strictly stars 2015 are ready to rumba for the new series of the BBC’s dance spectacular. But for judge Craig Revel-Horwood there’s one name missing from the list of this year’s contestants – a certain celebrity called Simon Cowell.

“They always choose cool celebrities and that’s what I like but I would love to see Simon Cowell dance on the show partnered with Natalie Lowe who is our tallest girl. That would be hilarious!”

Like Simon, Craig is renowned for his tough-talking style, but he doesn’t believe he’s too harsh. “If you can’t take criticism, don’t come on the show.”

Craig has been a judge on the show since it first started 2004 and he still loves every minute of it. “I always look forward to working on Strictly.

The BBC is a really nice company to work for. All the judges get on and we have a laugh.”

But the show is just one aspect to his amazing range of talents. He’s also a brilliant choreographer, producer and performer, most recently playing Miss Hannigan in a tour of Annie.

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Craig would love to see Simon be a contestant

He admits he was initially scared of taking on the role of the drunken, villainous orphanage owner.

“It’s been exciting but scary too,” says Craig. “I have to play Miss Hannigan for real. This is not like panto where I can come in and out of character and be Craig Revel Horwood. It’s the first time in 20 years I’ve played a role that isn’t based on me. I think audiences will be shocked when they see and hear me because there’s nothing of me in there.”

Craig has performed in a range of West End shows, including Cats, Crazy

for You and Miss Saigon. “I did stage musicals for 15 years, so working on this production is bringing back all those old memories,” he says.

Asked whether he prefers theatre or judging, Craig replies: “Theatre.

I love directing and choreographing, but now I’m spreading my wings a little bit more and it’s great. I have a finger in every pie. I’ve worked in opera, musical theatre and ballet.

Now I’m working as an actor. I like to keep myself on my toes.”

But all that dancing led to health problems for Craig. In 2013 he had a much-publicised hip-resurfacing operation, which meant he missed one show. The major surgery followed four years of chronic pain. He says: “I couldn’t walk properly. Basically

In action with his fellow Strictly judges.

Craig says they all get on really well

I can get through the next couple of contracts, I’ll be happy.”

Craig’s operation also cemented his relationship with his partner Damon Scott, who was a runnerup in Britain’s Got Talent in 2007.

Damon (35) was by his side during his recovery and moved in with Craig, along with his rescued King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, Sophie, last September. They all share a beautiful house in Hampshire.

“I absolutely love the peace and quiet of the country. I always look forward to coming home after spending time in hotels,” says Craig. “All you hear is the birds chirping where we live. It’s just gorgeous. But I haven’t retired from the social scene. Friends come over for Sunday lunch and I like to cook. It’s how I relax. But if I could change one thing about myself it is my love of pizza! It stacks the weight on and I can eat an 18-inch one by myself if I’m left to it.”

Craig says it is going well with Damon. “We celebrate two years next month. The time has just whizzed by so quickly I haven’t even noticed it. Most importantly we are friends too. I value honesty in friendship and trustworthiness.

You need to be able to trust a person implicitly.”

There is also a new addition to the family called Charlie, another Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Craig and Damon adopted him from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home recently. Craig says: “He’s the same breed as Sophie, but he’s only 18 months old and she’s 13. He likes barking! It’s just as well we’re in the country now.

“Sophie was diagnosed with a serious heart condition last year but she has certainly perked up now Charlie is around. He has brought her to life and they get on like a house on fire. It’s great having two doggies running about and they keep Damon company while I’m away.”

As well as his five-month stint with Annie this year, Craig has a three-week panto run as Captain Hook in Peter Pan at Wycombe’s Swan Theatre this festive season.

Next year looks equally busy, too.

First after Strictly there is the Strictly Come Dancing live tour in February. “Then I will take a big break at the end of that tour, as I usually do,” says Craig. In March, he’ll be back at work choreographing a dance show in Berlin and then directing and choreographing a touring production of Sister Act, which is opening at Leicester Curve.

“Then it’s Strictly again. I’m booked up for the next two years! Many people want to retire as they get older, but I don’t think I will. I encourage people not to do it. Just get out there!” ✢ The new series of Strictly starts with the launch show in early September. ✢ The national tour of Annie runs until January 2016, but Craig will not be appearing as Miss Hanigan in all the shows. For more details visit www.anniethemusicaltour.uk

Left: Craig and partner Damon. Right: Playing the villainous Miss Hannigan in Annie

PICS: HUGO GLENDINNING, BBC, TONY WARD/SCOPE FEATURES, REX FEATURES

I had worn out the joints from dancing and it was made worse by the fact that I have arthritis. I had put my body through an enormous amount of stress and strain. I was also anorexic when I was younger, and that weakens your bones too.”

However, two years on, he is pain-free. “You have to be sensible after an operation like that but I am amazed – the results have lasted! It has been a joy to walk and perform again after four years of torture.

“I just have to be careful and not overdo it or be tempted to drop into the splits like I used to 20 years ago!

I thought I’d need to get the other hip done but that seems to be okay at the moment. As long as

❙ star chat ❙

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Seasonal must-haves for whatever the weather

By Jo Winch

FIGURE SHAPING

l JOAN WEARS: Dress, £36, 10-20, earrings, £8, bracelet, £8, necklace, £15, all Next; shoes, £49.99, 3-7, Lotus; bag, M&Co, £29

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Red print, £60, 10-18

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HEALTH &

vitality

Instant anti-ageing

HEALTH BOOSTS

Simple changes can make a big difference to your health

he way you live from day to day could help protect you from a range of age-related conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, cancer and dementia as well as boosting your energy and happiness levels. Most of us have room for improvement when it comes to leading a healthy lifestyle, but the good news is you don’t have to give yourself a complete overhaul – lots of little things count.

All these easy fixes have been proven to help keep your body and mind fit and healthy…

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Count your blessings

Spend some time once a week writing down all the things you’re grateful for; everything from your lovely friends and family to the relaxing holiday you’ve just booked. You’ll feel happier and will sleep better, according to research from the University of Miami.

MINS

10

SECS

Breathe in peppermint oil

Feeling sluggish?

Inhale peppermint essential oil to give you a shot of vitality – a US study found it can make you more alert. Sprinkle a couple of drops on a tissue, sniff, and… zing!

Head outdoors

Your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes rises with age, especially if you’re overweight, but a shot of sunlight could help. Research has found a dose of Vitamin D could reduce your risk of diabetes. Your body makes the vitamin from sunlight and for the average person spending around 15 minutes outside on a sunny day, with no sun protection, should be enough. Roll up your sleeves, and expose your legs as well so you absorb as much sunlight as possible.

1

MIN

Drink a glass of water

Try to do this every hour.

A new survey has shown drinking enough fluids (around 1.5 litres daily) makes you look younger. It keeps all your body’s cells working efficiently and can boost your energy levels.

❙ stay youthful ❙

10

MINS

5

Enjoy a cuppa

Ideally, make it a green tea as studies have found this may help guard against heart disease and reduce levels of the unhealthy form of cholesterol. Research from Kingston University found that white tea, made from the buds and young leaves of tea plants, has properties that might stave off all sorts of age-related problems such as arthritis and wrinkles.

MINS

30

Have a knees-up

Put on your favourite tunes and whirl around the living room or follow a zumba DVD. Dancing is a great way to boost your heart and lung health, but research has found it can also reduce your risk of dementia by an astonishing 76 per cent if you do it frequently. Aim for a boogie of some description at least four times every week.

MINS

2

Boost your bones with yoga

Do some yoga stretches. One study found that people with osteoporosis or early signs of bone loss who did just ten minutes of yoga daily actually increased their bone mass.

Visit www.yogaglo.com for a choice of online classes or go to a local yoga class to learn some postures you can put into practice at home as well.

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MINS

Phone a friend

Having a ten-minute chat with a friend can help to sharpen your mind in just the same way as doing a crossword puzzle or Sudoku, according to research.

2

MINS

Keep on the move

Sitting down for hours on end either at home or at work isn’t good for you.

Getting up to walk about every half an hour can help reduce blood pressure and blood glucose, according to research from New Zealand. Just two minutes’ walking makes a difference.

10

MINS

Enjoy a tipple

Red wine contains resveratrol, a powerful compound that can help give your immune system a boost.

For the maximum dose of resveratrol, choose Australian shiraz, Italian sangiovese or French burgundy as these have been shown to contain the highest levels of this supersubstance.

Look after those pearly whites

A good dental routine helps keep teeth and gums healthy, which could in turn help protect your overall health. Researchers think gum disease may result in wholebody inflammation that’s linked with diabetes and heart disease.

Whether you use an electric or manual toothbrush, you should brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day for maximum benefits.

Set a timer to make sure you don’t cheat. And remember to floss, too!

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Turn the page for more keep-fit ideas

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Good to KNOW...

How to...

save

on pet

Cut the cost of keeping furry friends healthy and happy

By Katharine Wootton

Meet our experts: Vicki LarkhamJones is a vet for the PDSA charity (www. pdsa.org.uk)

Tina Cockayne works for Armitage Pet Care (www. armitages.co.uk)

hether you share your home with cats, dogs or something smaller, there’s no doubt that pets are one of the family. But like all of us, pets need feeding, entertaining and keeping healthy, all of which quickly adds up.

The PDSA estimates that a pooch costs £16,000-£31,000 over its lifetime, while a kitty costs £17,000 and a rabbit around £9,000. And that’s not to mention the cost of vet’s fees if your pet gets poorly. But there are some clever ways to bring down the bills for your furry friend without cutting corners on their care.

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Mark Spurlock is Head of Technical Services at pet care company, Bob Martin (www. bobmartin.co.uk)

Be shrewd on food

Pet food is one of the biggest costs of any pet owner and one of the best places to save the pennies.

“Cut out any expensive, unnecessary treats you give your pet because most animals would be just as happy with a cuddle or some playtime with you,” says Vicki Larkham-Jones.

“Another way to save on both your pocket money and your pet’s waistline is to avoid over-feeding.

Weigh out your pet’s daily allowance, which should be listed on the back of the packet, and split it into two or three portions, depending on what they like best.

“And don’t pay over the odds for specialised foods unless your vet prescribes it – normal pet food from the supermarket will usually give them all the nutrients they need.”

Try a penny-saving pamper

Grooming can take a real snip at your bank account, but you can actually do a lot of it at home on the cheap. “Give your pet a regular groom with a brush or comb to keep their fur healthy” says Mark Spurlock. “For dogs, rub through a small amount of natural oil, too, such as evening primrose oil, to prevent tangles and keep skin clean.”

While you’re there, check their ears, eyes, neck and tail for anything unusual or to see if fleas are making a home there.

Using flea treatments all year round is generally the best way of preventing an irritating – not to mention expensive – outbreak.

“Check teeth for bad breath and any dental problems,” says Mark. Giving them foods and toys that make them chew should help keep their teeth strong.

“Walking dogs on hard pavements

WHERE TO SPEND:

or getting a scratching post for your cat can help keep nails trim, too,” says Tina Cockayne.

Prevention is cheaper than the cure!

There are certain costs that should never be skimped on, however, as doing so can damage your pet’s health long term.

“Make sure your pet has all the vaccinations they’re meant to, including ones against feline influenza and canine parvovirus, to avoid a serious and potentially costly illness further down the line,” says Vicki.

“Getting your pet neutered is important – as well as the obvious, it prevents a common but dangerous womb infection in females as well as certain cancers.”

WHERE TO SAVE: Once you’ve found a good food your pet likes, buy in bulk, ideally online, to save yourself as much as 50 per cent.

Sometimes the active ingredients

That’s entertainment

✢ For neutering, check with animal charities such as the Cats Protection (0300 012 1212, www.cats.org.uk/neutering) or Dogs Trust (0333 202 1148, www.dogstrust. org.uk) to see if they can offer you a discount.

If you find yourself needing urgent vet care but are struggling to afford it, there are organisations that can help – especially if you’re on meanstested benefits. ✢ Contact the PDSA (0800 731 2502 or www.pdsa.org.uk/eligibility) and the Blue Cross (0300 790 9903, www.bluecross. org.uk/veterinary).

in the flea, tick and worming products your vet prescribes are the same as those available in supermarkets and pet stores. Check the labels carefully to see if you could save on these.

Some costs can’t be skimped on, such as vaccinations and neutering

For more useful pet advice visit www.yours.co.uk/consumeradvice

Toys to keep your pet busy don’t have to come in fancy packaging with big price tags.

Often your own homemade creations will be just as much fun.

“For small pets such as hamsters, wrap bits of their food in plain brown paper to keep them busy for hours,” says Vicki. “Cats, meanwhile, will be more than happy with crumpled bits of paper and of course cardboard boxes to squeeze into. Steer clear of using ribbons and string, though, as these could cause an accident.”

For all pets, stick to a small number of toys that you rotate to stop your pet getting bored and make your toys last longer.”

When it’s time for you to head off on holiday, save on the cost of the kennels or cattery with a bit of neighbourliness. “Try to form a circle of trustworthy pet owners in your area who are willing to help each other when you go away – it’ll save you all in the long run,” says Tina. ✢ NEXT ISSUE How to up the value of your home!

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PICS: SHUTTERSTOCK, GETTY IMAGES

care

Silica gel cat litter (available from Home Bargains) is more expensive than standard litter, but absorbs and controls odour better and doesn’t need to be changed as often.

Getting pet insurance is the best way of paying for non-routine vet bills and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Shop around online for the best options.

If you truly can’t afford insurance, make regular payments of however much you can afford into a separate bank account, just in case.

❙ your stars ❙

horoscopes ght

Astrologer Lynne Ewart predicts what’s in store for you

this fortni

Between September 1 to September 14 The Virgo Sun draws our attention to all of the little but necessary tasks, heralding a busy fortnight of fixing and mending and favouring changes to our surroundings. Venus moves forward at last, too, over this fortnight, spelling an overdue celebration for some.

If it’s your birthday this fortnight…

VIRGO

CAPRICORN

TAURUS

Aug 24-Sept 22 With Jupiter travelling across your sign, there’ll be opportunities to explore your world. The New Virgo Moon on the 13th hints of a trip, perhaps down memory lane.

Thought for the fortnight: Trust your hunches. ✢ For a weekly update call 09044 705705

Dec 22-Jan20 Your ideas are good. Your plans look just fine, so although it’s smart to listen to the thoughts and views of others, remember that not everyone has your backbone!

Thought for the fortnight: It’s a good time for a holiday. ✢ For a weekly update call 09044 705709

Apr 21-May 21 You’re in a new chapter, and it’s one where you’re intended to enjoy life to the full, which may bring decisions about rearranging commitments.

Thought for the fortnight: A waiting period draws to a close at last. ✢ For a weekly update call 09044 705701

LIBRA

AQUARIUS

GEMINI

Sept 23-Oct 23 Follow your own star and try not to be thrown off course by anyone who isn’t quite tuned in to your aims or in touch with your needs.

Thought for the fortnight: Look out for repeated offers. ✢ For a weekly update call 09044 705706

Jan 21-Feb18 Something will be put back together again. It could be a plan that came undone, or even something that’s physically mended.

Thought for the fortnight: What was jarring in July could now be smoothed. ✢ For a weekly update call 09044 705710

May 22-June 21 With the Sun and Jupiter lighting up matters domestic, there could be word of family expansion, with the patter of tiny feet ahead, or perhaps a rather liberating move.

Thought for the fortnight: It’s all happening at last! ✢ For a weekly update call 09044 705702

Oct 24-Nov 22 A wish could be granted, perhaps quite out of the blue, concerning your job, your surroundings or perhaps about something more personal that goes way back?

Thought for the fortnight: A new arrival could come as quite a surprise. ✢ For a weekly update call 09044 705707

PISCES

CANCER

Feb 19-Mar 20 As September begins, you may feel you’re drifting a little, yet you’re also feeling rather creative and intuitive. Try not to guilt trip about what you aren’t quite ready to do.

Thought for the fortnight: A dream trip could feature. ✢ For a weekly update call 09044 705711

June 22-July 22 A new purchase could delight you, as may a new source of income or a better way of using what you have. Some Cancerians will be off on their travels, too.

Thought for the fortnight: Delayed funds could arrive. ✢ For a weekly update call 09044 705703

SAGITTARIUS

ARIES

LEO

Nov 23-Dec 21 Jupiter is opening doors, while Mars is fiery and focused, making you want to fly freer.

Could be you’re looking into fulfilling an ambition that’s linked to travel or transport.

Thought for the fortnight: Dreams can come true around mid-month. ✢ For a weekly update call 09044 705708

Mar 21-Apr20 There’s quite a blossoming taking place around work and improvement projects, along with an enhanced creativity that could find you busy, enjoying a fresh challenge.

Thought for the fortnight: What was delayed in June could begin now. ✢ For a weekly update call 09044 705700

July 23-Aug 23 As Venus turns forward from the 6th, she reignites something that seemed filled with promise but didn’t quite get off the ground, proving that patience pays!

Thought for the fortnight: An official process is completed within six weeks. ✢ For a weekly update call 09044 705704

PIC: DAVID FISHER

SCORPIO

…you are Virgo, like Coronation Street actress Sue Cleaver, who was born on September 2, 1963.

Virgo is methodical and analytical, sometimes over thinking things and suffering from tummy tension as a result. Yoga can appeal for its soothing qualities. Sue has an obvious healer’s chart, so it’s no surprise that she is also training as a psychotherapist. She’s entering an eventful time of new horizons, or maybe her Coronation Street character, Eileen, is going off on a big adventure!

Calls cost 66p per minute from a BT landline. Calls from other operators and mobiles may vary. Weekly readings last approx five minutes, monthly readings approx nine minutes, year ahead readings approx 13 minutes. For entertainment purposes only. Users must be over 18. Service provider: Spoke. Customer services helpline: 0800 0673 330 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm). www.lynneewart.com YOURS

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