Craig Revel Horwood, the renowned judge from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, shared a shocking account of his recent holiday in Spain, where he was the victim of a stabbing incident that left him both injured and robbed. The 61-year-old performer detailed the traumatic events during a candid discussion on his podcast, Judgemental, alongside fellow judge Anton Du Beke. Revel Horwood recounted not only the incident but also a subsequent strip search that he endured upon returning home.
A Night Out Gone Wrong
While enjoying a night out in Madrid, the Strictly judge faced a terrifying ordeal. He explained that the attack occurred around 2 a.m. as he was returning from a club. “I went on holiday in Madrid and got stabbed,” he recalled, describing the heat of the summer night. The assailant managed to steal his jewellery, leaving behind burn marks where his necklace had been yanked from his neck.
“It was a razor blade… I was slashed in the stomach,” he described, his tone a mix of disbelief and resignation. It’s a chilling reminder of how quickly a celebratory night can turn into a nightmare.
The Aftermath: Strip Search and More
The ordeal did not end with the stabbing. Upon his return to the UK, Revel Horwood faced yet another distressing experience. He revealed that he was subjected to a strip search at the airport. “I hadn’t shaved, so I did look a bit of a wreck,” he admitted, clearly still shaken from the attack. The French authorities, he said, were searching him thoroughly for drugs, which added another layer of humiliation to his traumatic experience.
“I looked a bit of a mess,” he added, reflecting on how his physical state only compounded the stress of the situation. “They stripped searched me down to literally nothing,” he explained, highlighting the absurdity of being treated as a potential criminal after being a victim.
More Misadventures: A Trip to Mombasa
Revel Horwood’s travel misfortunes didn’t stop in Madrid. He also recalled an unfortunate trip to Mombasa, Kenya, where he discovered his hotel had burned down upon arrival at the airport. “I thought, ‘oh yeah, I’m going on safari, that’s going to be nice’,” he said, only to be met with disappointment.
Despite the initial setback, he was reassured that alternative accommodation had been arranged. However, the adventure took another grim turn when he and his fellow travellers fell ill from salmonella poisoning after consuming contaminated chicken. “One by one, when we were standing in the queue at the airport, people just were falling to the ground,” he recounted, illustrating how quickly their holiday turned from excitement to disaster.
The Road Ahead for Strictly Come Dancing
Despite his harrowing experiences, Revel Horwood remains committed to his role on Strictly Come Dancing. The new series is set to premiere on BBC One and iPlayer this September, promising the same excitement that fans have come to expect. His resilience in the face of adversity underscores not only his passion for dance but also his determination to move forward.
Why it Matters
Craig Revel Horwood’s unsettling experiences serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of travel and the vulnerabilities that can accompany it. His candid revelations highlight the importance of safety awareness while travelling abroad, especially in urban settings. In a world where the glamour of holidays is often celebrated, it is crucial to acknowledge that danger can lurk just around the corner. Revel Horwood’s story not only sheds light on personal safety but also reinforces the need for vigilance and preparedness when exploring new destinations.
