Craig Revel Horwood's Secret Past: Meet Lavish

Craig Revel Horwood is a name synonymous with sharp critiques, a booming laugh, and the iconic “Faaabulous!” on the BBC’s hit show, Strictly Come Dancing. For nearly two decades, he has been a fixture on the judging panel, his opinions often sparking debate and delight in equal measure. Yet, beneath the polished exterior and the meticulously delivered scores lies a past far more flamboyant and perhaps, surprising, than many fans might imagine. Before the glitterball trophies and the highly anticipated Blackpool specials, Craig Revel Horwood embraced a daring, transformative alter ego who commanded stages with a captivating presence and a voice that could shake the rafters: a magnificent 7ft drag queen named Lavish.

This is not merely a footnote in his illustrious career; it is a foundational chapter that shaped the performer, the artist, and indeed, the man we know today. It speaks to a journey of self-discovery, artistic expression, and the often-unpredictable path to stardom. Delving into the origins and eventual farewell of Lavish offers a unique insight into the formative years of one of Britain’s most beloved, and sometimes feared, entertainment personalities.

The Genesis of Lavish: A Glimpse into the 1980s Drag Scene

The story of Lavish begins in the vibrant, experimental atmosphere of 1980s Australia, where a twenty-year-old Craig Revel Horwood found himself navigating the early stages of his dance career. At this point, he was often relegated to the chorus line, occasionally stepping in as an understudy, a position that, while providing experience, perhaps didn't fully utilise his burgeoning talents. It was during this period of seeking a more profound creative outlet that the idea for Lavish took root. The 1980s were a pivotal time for popular culture, an era of bold fashion, gender-bending icons, and a growing acceptance of drag acts, thanks in part to figures like Boy George and the widespread appeal of Culture Club. This cultural shift provided a fertile ground for a new form of theatrical expression to flourish.

Adding to this creative crucible was Craig’s involvement in the musical ‘La Cage Aux Folles’, a production famously centred around drag queens. Dancing in heels every night, immersed in a world of exaggerated glamour and performative femininity, it felt like a natural progression for him to explore his own female persona. Lavish was born not just as a character, but as a vehicle for Craig to showcase a wider array of his artistic abilities, moving beyond the confines of being 'just a dancer'.

The visual inspiration for Lavish was drawn directly from the opulent aesthetics of the ‘Dynasty’ era, a television phenomenon known for its extravagant costumes, dramatic makeup, and larger-than-life characters. Lavish was designed to embody this maximalist sensibility. Craig meticulously copied Joan Collins’s signature make-up, a testament to the era’s reigning queen of glamour. Her wardrobe was equally grand: dresses adorned with massive shoulder pads and long sleeves, strategically chosen to conceal his naturally hairy arms. With the addition of towering 6-inch stilettos and a wild cascade of auburn hair, Lavish presented an imposing figure, standing almost 7 feet tall. Yet, it wasn't just her striking appearance that made her an instant hit on the drag circuit; Lavish possessed a truly powerful, sensational singing voice that quickly garnered her a loyal following and established her as a formidable presence on stage.

Lavish's Ascent and Farewell: The Price of Popularity

Lavish’s success was undeniable and immediate. Craig Revel Horwood found himself earning good money and, perhaps more importantly, relishing the adoration of the crowds. There is an undeniable thrill in captivating an audience, in embodying a character that resonates so powerfully with them. However, this very popularity soon became a double-edged sword, a "bane of my life" as he candidly put it. The more Lavish captivated, the more people only wanted him as her. He faced the classic performer's dilemma: the risk of being irrevocably typecast.

The thought of ending up like iconic figures such as Barry Humphries, perpetually linked to his Dame Edna Everage persona, or Danny La Rue, forever donning elaborate costumes for every performance, was a sobering one. While admirable in their own right, this wasn't the singular artistic path Craig envisioned for himself. He wanted the freedom to explore diverse roles, to express himself without the constant expectation of elaborate drag. Thus, after two years of dazzling performances and overwhelming adoration, Craig made the difficult decision to bid farewell to Lavish.

The retirement of Lavish was as dramatic and theatrical as her very existence. She was last seen at 7 am on 1 November 1988, following an all-night Halloween bash in Paris. The image is vivid: heels off, sharing a number 31 bus with a Tina Turner impersonator on the Champs-Élysées, eventually making her way to the Eiffel Tower, where she vanished into the dawn, never to be seen on stage again. It was a fittingly grand exit for a character who had brought so much glamour and notoriety to Craig’s early career, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances.

From Drag Queen to Dance Judge: The Strictly Journey Begins

The days of glitz and glamour were certainly not over for Craig Revel Horwood, but they would manifest in a very different way. His journey led him to the highly acclaimed ballroom dancing competition, Strictly Come Dancing, which he joined in 2004. The transition from a 7ft drag queen to a sharp-tongued dance judge might seem a dramatic shift, but it speaks to the multifaceted nature of his talent and his deep understanding of performance, choreography, and showmanship. When he joined Strictly, the lavish dresses were now worn by the female dancers and celebrities, a stark contrast to his own past stage attire.

The early days of Strictly were characterised by a unique camaraderie among the judges. Craig shared a dressing room with his fellow male judges, Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman, creating an environment ripe for laughter and uninhibited behaviour. Bruno, a dear friend, was famously comfortable in his own skin, often "slopping around in his pants," while his colourful off-screen swearing, delivered with a gorgeous Italian accent, somehow made it less offensive. Len Goodman, the beloved former head judge, was a constant source of entertainment, his "completely mad and utterly hilarious" antics providing endless amusement. He even indulged in autograph hunting, asking guest performers for their signatures – a charming quirk that endeared him to his colleagues. Arlene Phillips, the fourth judge in the original lineup, was described as a driven, strong-minded woman who had little patience for fools. Her meticulous approach to judging, evidenced by pages of notes for every dance, contrasted sharply with Craig's more concise three key comments. In this eclectic mix, Craig often felt like the "sanest one on the panel!"

Initially, the backstage atmosphere was genuinely chummy, with far less tension than would emerge in subsequent series. Celebrities back then seemed to view the show as more of a challenge and a bit of fun, not necessarily a career-enhancing move. However, Strictly almost instantly transformed into a cultural phenomenon, and suddenly, appearing on – and winning – the programme became significantly more important for the celebrities involved. This shift inevitably brought with it increased pressure and a more competitive edge.

Behind the Glitterball: Unforgettable Moments and Clashes

As Strictly's popularity soared, so too did the stakes, leading to some memorable moments, both humorous and tense. Series Two saw the show move to the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom for the final, a significant step up in production. However, the travel arrangements and accommodation provided a stark reality check. The entire cast was crammed into just two dressing rooms in Blackpool – one for men, one for women. Sharing changing facilities with the very celebrities they were about to judge felt undeniably weird for Craig, Bruno, and Len, who had previously been segregated. The Blackpool accommodation itself left much to be desired; the digs were "dirty and poorly operated." Arlene Phillips, famously, got bitten by bedbugs, a misfortune Craig found hilarious, though Arlene herself was "absolutely furious." Unsurprisingly, as the show’s ratings climbed, so did the quality of the hotels.

Series Two also marked the first recorded instance of a contestant and Craig not seeing eye to eye. The flamboyant comedian Julian Clary had been taking jabs at Craig on the show, referring to him as "the particularly ugly one on the end." The tension escalated in the semi-final when Craig critiqued Julian’s jive, stating, "The jacket and shoes did all the work for Julian." Julian’s sharp retort, "You've got too much foundation on," was met with Craig's equally cutting reply: "That won't change the fact that that jive was terrible." In the live final from Blackpool, Julian escalated further, calling Craig a "silly old queen." Craig’s internal response was characteristic: "Yes, I am a silly queen – but I'm not old!" The feud continued on Claudia Winkleman's spin-off show, ‘Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two’, where Craig, in a phone-in interview, got carried away, reeling off a list of everything he felt was hampering Julian’s dancing, even speculating about his insecurities and career. Claudia, ever the professional, turned to Julian, who, with his dog Valerie by his side, famously replied with quick wit, "Oh sorry, I wasn't listening. What did he say?" Julian’s brilliant deflection negated everything Craig had said, and later, the two reconciled over a drink, a testament to the show’s ability to create both drama and lasting bonds.

Another incident occurred in Series Four, when Craig unintentionally upset comedy actress Jan Ravens. His comment that she was "kicking like a mule" with her backwards steps clearly stung. When Jan was voted off, her departure chat with host Bruce Forsyth took an unexpected turn. Instead of the usual pleasantries, Jan, having taken Craig's criticisms to heart, approached the judges' desk and spat, "I hope you're happy now!" Craig, quite rightly, pointed out that her loss was due to millions of viewer votes, not solely his critique.

Even beloved contestants faced the brunt of Craig’s honest assessments. Letitia Dean, whom Craig adores, was initially upset by his comments on her dancing in Series Five. Their relationship had an uneasy start due to a personal connection: three years prior, Letitia had split from her husband, Jason Pethers, who subsequently began dating Craig’s assistant, Heather. These external factors, combined with the pressure of competing against physically imposing contestants like Penny Lancaster and Kelly Brook, created confidence issues for Letitia. An "atmosphere" lingered between them for almost a month until they finally had a candid conversation, which completely cleared the air. This highlights the human element behind the judges' table, where personal dynamics can sometimes intertwine with professional responsibilities.

Despite the occasional clashes, Craig insists on the authenticity of his judging. He finds it astonishing how many people ask if he’s told to be nasty or if his comments are unscripted. He firmly states that he "wouldn't do it if that were the case." He believes that if any judge tried to be someone they’re not, it simply wouldn’t work. He acknowledges the natural differences in their scoring styles: he tends to score low, Len tended to score high, Bruno is often overly generous, and Arlene could be too harsh. In his own opinion, he considers himself the fairest – a sentiment he readily admits he would naturally express.

The physical demands of ballroom dancing are often underestimated. Contestants undergo thorough medical checks before the series begins. The production team even has a contingency plan for severe injuries or, "God forbid," a heart attack: cameras would cut to the judges, the floor team would remove "the body," and the show would carry on – a stark reminder of the show-must-go-on mentality inherent in live television.

The Enduring Legacy: Craig's Impact on Entertainment

In early 2008, Strictly Come Dancing embarked on a highly anticipated UK tour, playing 40 dates across seven cities. Stars from previous series, including Zoe Ball, Letitia Dean, and Matt di Angelo, joined the tour, with audiences voting for their favourite performances each night. Craig revelled in the experience of working in front of a live audience, a stark contrast to the studio audience of around 200. On tour, some venues hosted over 10,000 screaming fans, many of whom delighted in booing him. Craig, however, is perfectly fine with the catcalls. He understands that people enjoy it, and while he doesn't have to like it on a personal level, he acknowledges that "a character has been born that people love to hate." This self-awareness and embrace of his public persona have undoubtedly contributed to his enduring appeal.

Craig Revel Horwood's journey from a 7ft drag queen named Lavish to one of the most recognisable and often controversial judges on British television is a testament to his versatility, resilience, and unwavering commitment to entertainment. His past as Lavish not only provided a platform for his diverse talents but also instilled in him a profound understanding of performance, stage presence, and the art of captivating an audience – qualities that he now critically assesses in others. He remains a unique and indispensable part of the Strictly phenomenon, a true original whose career continues to dazzle, just as Lavish once did.

Understanding the Drag Phenomenon: A Broader Context

While Craig Revel Horwood's personal journey with Lavish took place in Australia during the 1980s, it's fascinating to consider the broader cultural landscape of drag during that era and its evolution. The 1980s, with its flamboyant fashion and groundbreaking music, provided fertile ground for artistic exploration, allowing performers like Lavish to truly shine. Across the globe, particularly in vibrant cities, drag began to shift from an underground or niche performance art to a more widely accepted and celebrated form of entertainment. It served as a powerful platform for self-expression, community building, and often, social commentary.

Historically, drag has deep roots in theatre and performance, often predating modern understandings of gender identity. Over time, it evolved into various forms, from the comedic to the glamorous, often reflecting and challenging societal norms. The increasing visibility and popularity of drag acts in the 1980s, influenced by mainstream media and music, helped to push the art form further into public consciousness. This period paved the way for the drag scenes we see today, from local club nights to global television phenomena, demonstrating drag's enduring power as both entertainment and a form of artistic and personal liberation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Craig Revel Horwood and Lavish

Was Lavish a real person?

Yes, Lavish was the highly glamorous and successful drag queen alter ego created and performed by Craig Revel Horwood in Australia during the 1980s.

Why did Craig Revel Horwood stop performing as Lavish?

Craig decided to retire Lavish because her immense popularity meant people only wanted him to perform as her, and he didn't want to be typecast in that single role, preferring to explore other aspects of his artistic career.

When did Craig Revel Horwood join Strictly Come Dancing?

Craig Revel Horwood joined the judging panel of Strictly Come Dancing in its inaugural series in 2004, and he has been a consistent judge on the show ever since.

Is Craig Revel Horwood's judging persona on Strictly scripted?

No, Craig Revel Horwood maintains that his comments and scoring on Strictly Come Dancing are not scripted. He believes that authenticity is key for a judge, and while he plays a "character people love to hate," his opinions are genuinely his own.

What was Craig Revel Horwood's relationship like with other judges and contestants on Strictly?

His relationships varied. In the early days, there was strong camaraderie among the judges (Bruno, Len, Arlene). While he generally maintains professional relationships, he had notable clashes with contestants like Julian Clary and Jan Ravens, and an initial tension with Letitia Dean, though most of these issues were resolved over time.

How tall was Lavish?

With her 6-inch stilettos and wild hair, Lavish stood at an impressive height of almost 7 feet tall.

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