By Liam de Brun

Copyright manchestereveningnews

Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood has made a ‘difficult’ Chris McCausland admission ahead of the series’ return. The 60-year-old is known for not holding back when critiquing celebrities on their dancing abilities, but has shown a softer side in recent years. Featuring in all but one season of the BBC dancing competition since its inception in 2004, Craig is back for the 23rd series on Saturday night (September 20). Also getting ready to give their verdicts on the 15 famous faces’ routines is Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Head Judge Shirley Ballas Among the stars looking to show-off their new moves this year is the likes of Dani Dyer, EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, Emmerdale ’s Lewis Cope and Thomas Skinner. Last year saw blind comedian Chris lift the Glitterball alongside his professional dancer partner Dianne Buswell, who recently announced she’s expecting her first child with Joe Sugg. With excitement building across the country for Strictly’s return, Craig has revealed how Chris’ triumph helped him learn new things he ‘didn’t know before’. “My standout moment was when I coached Chris McCausland ahead of the final. I then discovered how difficult it was for him throughout the series. He taught me things I didn’t know after spending time with him,” he stated. Saying that ‘it’s been absolutely amazing’ to involved for his 21st year, Craig revealed that the programme ‘still manages to surprise’ him two decades after joining. He explained: “People often ask if I ever get bored and I say no! Each year brings a completely new cast and that’s the beauty of Strictly . With a new cast comes a whole new energy and this year in particular, I think we’ve got some incredible celebrities.” Craig added: “Audiences love the fact there’s colour, movement, great songs and dancing but they also love that it’s family-friendly entertainment. A three-year-old could sit with a 90-year-old and watch the show together – it brings the whole family together. Strictly has become a complete and absolute institution.” Saying that he would do a Charleston to Fat Sam’s Grand Slam from Bugsy Malone with Natalie Lowe for his couple’s choice, Craig credited one of his fellow judges’ routines as his all-time favourite Strictly performance. “It has to be Anton Du Beke dancing with Ann Widdecombe. It’s my most-watched Strictly dance on YouTube, and for good reason! “It’s one I always go back to because Ann really showed everyone that even if you’re not the most technically gifted dancer, you can still get out there and give it your all. I mean, she made it all the way to Week 11,” he noted. Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday, September 20 at 6.40pm