John Nellis Hits Back at Strictly Judge Craig Revel Horwood
Social media star John Nellis has responded to criticism from Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood regarding his recent Cha-Cha performance.
Quick facts
- John Nellis and Katya Jones received a total of 20 points for their October 10 routine.
- Judge Craig Revel Horwood awarded the pair four points for the performance.
- Nellis addressed the criticism during the October 13 episode of It Takes Two.
Why it matters
Public friction between contestants and judges is a recurring theme in reality television, often driving audience engagement through social media. The debate over 'energy' versus 'style' is a common point of contention in ballroom dance critiques, reflecting the subjective nature of the scoring process.
Strictly Come Dancing contestant John Nellis has defended his latest dance routine following criticism from judge Craig Revel Horwood. As of October 16, 2026, the 33-year-old social media creator remains in the competition as he prepares for Icons Week.
What happened during the live show?
During the live show on October 10, Nellis and his professional partner, Katya Jones, performed a Cha-Cha to Justin Timberlake's song Rock Your Body. Following the routine, Craig Revel Horwood described the performance as "too laidback" and "cool," stating that the dancer "lacked a spring in his step." The judge ultimately awarded the pair four points, contributing to a total score of 20.
How did John Nellis respond?
Nellis addressed the comments during the BBC spin-off program It Takes Two on October 13. Speaking to host Ellie Taylor, the Northern Irish dancer explained that the relaxed style of the routine was an intentional artistic choice designed to match the late 2000s aesthetic of the music. He described the criticism as a "backhanded compliment," noting that he intended to portray a "cool" persona on the dance floor.
Why this is trending in United Kingdom?
The controversy is trending in the United Kingdom due to the popularity of the BBC's flagship programme Strictly Come Dancing and the frequent public discourse surrounding the judges' scoring and feedback. The exchange between the contestant and the panel has generated significant social media interest.
What is confirmed and what is not
It is confirmed that Nellis received a total of 20 points from the judges for his October 10 performance and that he publicly addressed the critique on It Takes Two. Whether this exchange will influence future scoring or the judges' perspectives during Icons Week remains to be seen.
Frequently asked questions
Who is John Nellis?
John Nellis is a 33-year-old social media creator from Northern Ireland who is currently competing in the BBC programme Strictly Come Dancing alongside professional partner Katya Jones.
Why did Craig Revel Horwood criticize the performance?
The judge criticized the Cha-Cha routine for being too laidback and lacking a spring in the dancer's step, ultimately awarding the performance a score of four points.
How did John Nellis defend his routine?
Nellis argued that the relaxed style was an intentional choice to match the music of Justin Timberlake. He suggested the judge may have misunderstood the concept of the performance.
What score did the couple receive?
John Nellis and Katya Jones received a total of 20 points for their routine performed on the October 10 live show.
When did John Nellis respond to the criticism?
Nellis responded to the critique during an appearance on the BBC spin-off show It Takes Two, which aired on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
What is next for John Nellis on the show?
John Nellis is scheduled to return to the dance floor for the upcoming Icons Week episode of Strictly Come Dancing.
In this story
Sources
- AOL.co.uk: Strictly's John Nellis' brutal eight-word response to Craig Revel Horwood after judge jab
- SuaraGarut.ID: John Nellis Defends His Cha Cha After Strictly Judge Criticism
- TVGuide.co.uk: Strictly Come Dancing star John Nellis claps back at Craig Revel Horwood following 'backhanded compliment'
Trend snapshot
- Topic
- Entertainment
- Trending in
- United Kingdom
- Search interest
- 1000+ recent searches
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- Verified: 3 independent outlets
- Last updated
- Oct 16, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Last checked Oct 16, 2026 at 1:30 PM. Trends move fast, so details may change. How we work · How we verify
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