Craig Revel-Horwood slams Strictly stars

Craig Revel-Horwood has warned this year's 'Strictly Come Dancing' contestants to up their game because they are not yet at an acceptable standard.

Craig Revel-Horwood has warned this year's 'Strictly Come Dancing' contestants to up their game.

The tough-talking judge says he hasn't been impressed with the dancing skills of the current crop of celebrities - who include Holly Valance, Lulu, Nancy Dell'Olio, Robbie Savage and Russell Grant - and thinks they need to work hard to improve their skills.

He said: "The celeb routine they did on the unveiling show was absolute carnage. I hope they all get it together over the next few weeks."

Craig - who is joined on the panel by Len Goodman, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli - also claimed the BBC One show doesn't fear its ITV1 rival 'The X Factor' because it's always been a better programme.

He added: "Is 'the X Factor' going to be rubbish this year? Well, it has always been rubbish, hasn't it darling?

"Although some of our dancers have a way to go yet, 'Strictly' will win this year."

The famously acid-tongued panellist has previously claimed the departure of former 'X Factor' judge Simon Cowell - who quit the ITV1 show earlier this year to launch the series Stateside - will benefit 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

He explained: "Simon leaving 'The X Factor' will put a dampener on it. Who's going to replace him? It will potentially give us an advantage."