BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Craig Revel Horwood says contestant could be disqualified over 'illegal' move

BBC Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood suggested Pete Wicks could face “disqualification” for his lifts, which he said were “totally illegal”. Pete performed a rumba with his professional dance partner Jowita Prystal.

In the fifth live show of this year’s series, Strictly returned to our screens once again as 12 contestants battled it out on the dance floor as they move one step closer to the final and lifting the prestigious glitterball trophy. During Saturday’s show, Pete and Jowita made Strictly Come Dancing history by performing to an Oasis saw.

The couple performed their rumba to Don’t Look Back In Anger. The routine saw their faces pressed close together and lots of lifts.

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When it came to the judges giving their points, Craig said the lifts were “totally illegal”, and said in a competition there could be a “disqualification” for the moves, but praised Wicks for the work that had gone into the dance. Overall the judges awarded Wicks and Przystal 22 points.

As he gave his verdict, Craig told the pair: "And as for the lifts, that is totally illegal.

"There were two lifts. One foot should remain on the floor at all times. Of course, a professional would be marked down for that. I think even a disqualification darling, because I think you should follow the rules."

Motsi Mabuse was quick to jump in to say they would never disqualify them. Craig later added: "I do like seeing how committed you are to this. I can see very clearly you have been studying and studying and studying."

Viewers took to X to share their thoughts on Craig’s comments, saying they were too far. X user @craigy_73 said: “My favourite dance of the night, Pete and Jowita. Love the idea of an Oasis song as a Rumba. Who gives a flying wotsit about lifts. It’s about the music and how the dancers adapt to it.”

@Patty8862 wrote: “Good effort from Pete & Jowita I think I’m gonna give a 6! Nice flexibility and frame work, lift comment was fair but Craig saying if he was head judge he would disqualify them is a bit far!!”

Meanwhile one fan joked about the comment. @flickersuggs said: “UPDATE: pete and jowita are now in #strictly jail after performing an illegal lift.”

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