Craig Revel Horwood says 'now we can move on' as he reacts to Strictly news on ITV's Lorraine

Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood appeared on ITV's Lorraine following the conclusion of the BBC's investigation into ex-pro dancer Giovanni Pernice's behaviour

Craig Revel Horwood expressed relief on ITV's Lorraine about the recent developments surrounding the BBC Strictly Come Dancing inquiry, commenting: "a weight's been lifted".

The revelation came as the Strictly judge sat down with Christine Lampard just after the conclusion of the investigation into allegations made by actress Amanda Abbington against former professional dancer Giovanni Pernice.

Abbington, who appeared with Pernice in the 2023 series, left early and brought up issues regarding off-camera treatment, but while complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld, it was established that Pernice had not been physically aggressive.

Discussing the atmosphere post-investigation with Christine, Craig shared his sense of relief that the investigation was over.

He said: "It's like a weight has been lifted off our shoulder because it was always hanging in the air so I was just so pleased that this investigation is over because now we can move on and really celebrate our 20 years on the screen because it is a wonderful, wonderful show and it's just awful when something like this does come along."

He elaborated: "And of course the BBC have put loads of things in place you know like chaperones which we've had in the theatre for years actually. And I think it's a really good thing. And it (the investigation) brought to light a really good thing that there should be someone in there (the rehearsal rooms) taking note. I think that's great. So let's move forward, let's move on, let's celebrate Strictly for all the good it has done in the last 20 years."

The controversy follows the judges' contentious decision in the first dance-off of the 2024 series, which saw Olympian Tom Dean exit the competition, sparking debate among viewers.

Craig Revel Horwood addressed the audience's concerns, explaining: "I didn't want him to leave either and he was in the middle of the leader board and I thought well the audience will vote him through so it's not going to come down to him (in the dance off). And, of course, that can't be trusted. The audience have 50 per cent of the vote and if you're in the middle of the leader board that puts you in danger," reports the Mirror.

"And of course the reason, because I know that's the next question on everyone's lips, is why did I choose Toyah over Tom and the reason was musicality you know and the fact that she had amazing rhythm and I have to judge not from a personal perspective, I have to judge from a dance perspective and I have to choose only from that one minute 30 who I think was the best dancer in that moment. The pressure is really on. I didn't want to see Tom go. He had what I thought was going to be a shining future on the show."

Lorraine is on ITV1 weekdays at 9am and on ITVX