BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Craig Revel Horwood says 'there is a difference' after scandal report

Craig Revel Horwood has told how things have changed since the release of the BBC's report into the Strictly Come Dancing scandal which saw the hit dance show rocked by misconduct claims.

Amanda Abbington and other stars complained about Giovanni Pernice's teaching methods. This week, the BBC said that it has taken the claims "very seriously" and that it had "upheld some, but not all" of Amanda's complaints and issued her an apology.

In a statement, the broadcaster said: "We have assessed the complaints and we have upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made. We want to apologise to Amanda Abbington and to thank her for coming forward and taking part. We know this would not have been an easy thing to do."

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Craig has now been asked about the release of the BBC's report during an appearance on ITV's Lorraine on Friday (October 4) ahead of the BBC One dance contest's return to screens on Saturday night (October 5).

The show judge admitted there was a different feeling among the Strictly camp since the results were report published. Asked by host Christine Lampard if the feeling behind the scenes has changes, he said: "Yes, there is a difference.

"It's like a weight has been lifted off our shoulders 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.

Craig added: "Because it is a wonderful, wonderful show and it's just awful when something like this comes along. 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. I think it's a really good thing.

"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."

And looking back at the last twenty years, Craig told Christine how he first thought the programme "wouldn’t have legs". He shared: "When we first started back in May of 2004, I thought it wouldn't have legs at all and thought, 'who is going to be interested in seeing a bunch of celebrities that can’t dance, try and dance in two weeks? No one!' But actually I was completely wrong."