Craig Revel Horwood – Biography, Net Worth and Strictly Career

Craig Revel Horwood is an Australian-British dancer, choreographer, theatre director, and author, best known as the longest-serving judge on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. Since the show’s launch in 2004, he has become a household name, famed for his sharp critiques and theatrical flair. His career spans musical theatre, television, and touring productions, making him one of the most recognised figures in British entertainment.

Born in Ballarat, Australia, he trained in dance and later moved to the UK, where he established himself as a performer and director. Over the years, his personal life and finances have drawn considerable public interest, though many details remain private. This article brings together the verified facts about his career, relationships, and upcoming projects.

From his early days on the West End to his role on the judging panel, Revel Horwood’s journey is one of discipline and reinvention. Below, we explore the key questions about his life and work.

What is Craig Revel Horwood net worth?

While Craig Revel Horwood’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, media reports consistently estimate it to be between £6 and £10 million. His income comes from multiple sources, including television, theatre direction, choreography, and book deals. As the original and longest-serving judge on Strictly Come Dancing, he has been a fixture on British television for over two decades.

Key insights

• He has been a judge on Strictly Come Dancing for over 20 years (since 2004), making him the original and longest-serving judge on the panel.
• He is a professionally trained dancer in multiple styles, including ballroom, Latin, and classical.
• His net worth is estimated in the millions, earned primarily through television work, theatre direction, choreography, and book deals.
• He has been married once (to a woman) and has had several long-term relationships; he is currently not in a publicly confirmed relationship.
• His 2025 solo tour visited over 50 UK venues, and future projects continue to be announced.

Who is Craig Revel Horwood first wife?

Craig Revel Horwood was married to Jane Horwood from 1990 to 1992. The marriage ended in divorce. According to interviews, he married her partly because “her body-clock was ticking,” though he was 25 and also wanted children at the time. The couple did not have any children together.

Why did the marriage end?

In later interviews, Revel Horwood explained that he struggled with his sexuality during the marriage. He has since come out as gay, stating that he “just prefer[s] men.” The divorce was amicable, and he has spoken openly about the lessons he learned from the relationship.

Children

Craig Revel Horwood has no children. He has stated that his demanding career and touring schedule have made him decide against fatherhood.

Who is Craig Revel Horwood partner now?

There is no public information confirming a current wife or long-term partner. Craig Revel Horwood has mentioned past relationships with men—some named, others referred to by pseudonyms like “Mr X” or “Doctor D” in his biographies. However, in a 2013 interview with The Independent, he said he was “rather enjoying not being in any relationship at the moment.”

His sexuality

Revel Horwood is gay. He has spoken about his earlier struggle with repression, having dated women and married Jane before fully accepting his sexuality. In a 2023 Guardian interview, he said, “I just prefer men.”

Past relationships

He has been linked to several men over the years, but none have been publicly confirmed as long-term partners. His autobiography, All Balls and Glitter, touches on some of these relationships, but he has maintained a level of privacy around his personal life.

When is the Craig Revel Horwood tour 2026?

As of now, no specific 2026 solo tour dates have been announced for Craig Revel Horwood. In April 2025, he launched a personal solo tour titled Craig Revel Horwood: The Show, which visited over 50 UK venues from April 4 to June 28. The strict arena tour, which he has directed and performed in, typically runs annually in January and February, but a 2026 edition has not been confirmed.

Future projects

Revel Horwood continues to perform in pantomimes and West End productions. He also remains a patron of the Royal Osteoporosis Society. Fans can expect further announcements about his 2026 schedule as the year approaches.

How old is Craig Revel Horwood?

Craig Revel Horwood was born on 4 January 1965, making him 60 years old as of 2025. Below is a timeline of key milestones in his life.

1. 4 January 1965 – Born in Ballarat, Australia.
2. 1980s – Began professional dance training and performing in Melbourne.
3. 1990s – Moved to Paris to perform at the Moulin Rouge and Lido Du Paris; relocated to the UK in 1994, settling in London’s West End.
4. 2004 – Became an original judge on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing.
5. 2011 – Took British citizenship.
6. 2018 – Published autobiography All Balls and Glitter.
7. 2025 – Launched solo tour “Craig Revel Horwood: The Show” across over 50 UK venues.

What is known and what remains unclear?

What is Craig Revel Horwood background as a dancer?

Craig Revel Horwood began dancing in Melbourne, Australia. His early career included roles in West Side Story, La Cage Aux Folles, and Cats (playing Munkustrap). He later moved to Paris to perform at the Moulin Rouge and Lido Du Paris, honing his skills in cabaret and theatrical dance. After relocating to the UK in 1994, he worked extensively in London’s West End, both as a performer and choreographer.

He earned Laurence Olivier Award nominations for his choreography on Spend, Spend, Spend and My One And Only. He also directed the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony. His dance training includes ballroom, Latin, and classical styles, and he has acknowledged performing as a drag queen early in his career.

What do official sources say?

“Craig Revel Horwood (born 4 January 1965) is an Australian–British dancer, choreographer, theatre director, author and former drag queen in the United Kingdom.”

– Wikipedia

“Craig Revel Horwood is a national treasure. The longest-serving judge on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing is the master of the Glitter Ball.”

– Official website (craigrevelhorwood.com)

“Craig is a well-known face on television in the UK and now, all over the world, as a judge on all twenty-three series of BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing.”

– Gavin Barker Associates (talent agency)

Summary of Craig Revel Horwood’s life and career

Craig Revel Horwood remains one of the most recognisable figures in British television, thanks to his two-decade role as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing. His career spans dance, choreography, theatre direction, authorship, and touring. While his net worth is estimated in the millions, his personal life—particularly his marriage to Jane Horwood and his current relationship status—has been the subject of ongoing public curiosity. With no confirmed partner and no specific 2026 tour dates yet announced, fans continue to follow his next moves closely.

Frequently asked questions