'Strictly's' Craig Revel Horwood steals the show by performing in drag for musicals week

    Katie Archer
    Contributor
    (BBC)

    Strictly Come Dancing’s judges and pros managed to overshadow the contestants before musicals week had even begun, with an opening number featuring Craig Revel Horwood in drag, and Anton du Beke and Kevin Clifton singing.

    Tonight’s Strictly episode saw the five remaining celebrities perform routines inspired by well-known musicals, but none of the dances could quite match up to the show opener.

    Read more: Vernon Kay dismisses Tess Daly split rumours

    Pro dancers Du Beke and Clifton showcased their singing talents as the routine started, and although du Beke has released an album and Clifton has starred in musicals including Rock of Ages, their voices still came as a surprise to many viewers.

    But the pair weren’t the only Strictly stars to take the audience by surprise, as judges Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas then emerged on stage in costume to dance with them.

    Bruno Tonioli also joined his colleagues in a top hat and tails to take a turn around the ballroom, but the biggest star of the show was Revel Horwood who made his entrance in drag to sing the final part of the number atop a huge cake.

    Head judge Ballas’ beautiful dancing was particularly impressive as she is still recovering from surgery to remove breast implants just a few weeks ago.

    After Tonioli’s turn at singing last week, some viewers began to question whether the show was trying to branch out into a variety performance rather than just dancing.

    However, Karim Zeroual put up a good fight to claw back the attention from the judges by becoming the first celebrity of the series to score a perfect 40, with even Revel Horwood simply standing up and applauding him during the comments on his Hairspray Jive.

    Read more: Craig Revel Horwood says Len Goodman is ‘living in Dark Ages’

    Kelvin Fletcher was not far behind with 39 points for his American Smooth/Viennese Waltz inspired by Beauty and the Beast, as was Emma Barton with the same score for her Thoroughly Modern Millie-themed Charleston.

    Strictly Come Dancing’s results show airs on Sunday at 7.15pm on BBC One.