Craig Revel Horwood reveals what he REALLY thinks of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing contestants

Ahead of Blackpool week, the Strictly judge reveals who's top of the class – and why he hasn't shown Alexandra Burke a 10 paddle yet

Chizzy Akudolu

It’s a real shame she was first out, I loved Chizzy. She should still be in the show now. I was really surprised that the other judges voted for Brian instead.

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Rev Richard Coles

I thought the Rev Richard was wonderful. He brought a great deal of joy and was really good value on the show, actually. I was quite sad when he left.


Charlotte Hawkins

Charlotte was too wooden for words. She looked amazing, but as soon as she started to dance she had trouble putting one foot in front of the other.


Brian Conley

Brian went home because his technique was horrible. His strength was in the comedy he brought to the dancefloor, but he had no wow factor.


Simon Rimmer

Sorry to say it, but I was dreading Simon’s rumba — it was bound to be a disaster and I was actually quite scared for him. So I am glad we’ve all been put out of our misery.


Aston Merrygold

He was very good and deserved to get further, but the public didn’t vote for him when it mattered. That’s the danger of being a clear frontrunner — people assume you’re safe. So when he got a dance that didn’t suit him, we couldn’t save him.


Ruth Langsford

She came back week after week with a positive attitude and developed a hunger to do well. But she sometimes looked terrified on the dancefloor. Some people remember the steps and do them badly; others just forget them. Ruth’s a forgetter, so she needs to work on her memory.

As told to Alexia Skinitis

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Strictly Come Dancing is on Saturday at 6.45pm and Sunday at 7.15pm – both on BBC1