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In a shocking revelation, Craig Revel Horwood, the flamboyant judge of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, has shared the harrowing tale of being stabbed while on holiday in Madrid, coupled with a distressing strip search as he attempted to leave the country. The 61-year-old performer recounted his ordeal in a candid conversation on the Judgemental podcast, where he hosts alongside fellow judge Anton Du Beke.
A Night to Forget in Madrid
Revel Horwood’s ill-fated trip began with promise but quickly descended into chaos. While enjoying the vibrant nightlife of Madrid, he fell victim to a violent incident at approximately 2 a.m. after leaving a club. “I went on holiday in Madrid and got stabbed, that was nice, and it was stinking hot,” he recounted, still grappling with the trauma of the experience.
During the attack, the Strictly judge had his jewellery stolen, with the assailants reportedly ripping a necklace from his neck, leaving behind a painful burn mark. “It was a razor blade… I was slashed… in the stomach,” he disclosed, painting a vivid picture of the frightening encounter. What should have been a festive getaway turned into a nightmare.
An Unexpected Departure
After the distressing episode, Revel Horwood faced yet another ordeal at the airport. As he prepared to leave Spain, he was subjected to a rigorous strip search by customs officials. “I hadn’t shaved, so I did look a bit of a wreck,” he admitted. “They were looking for drugs.” The juxtaposition of being a stabbing victim and appearing dishevelled only added to the absurdity of the situation.
His recounting of the events serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a holiday can turn into a harrowing experience. Despite the trauma, Revel Horwood’s ability to share his story reflects his resilience and willingness to find humour amidst adversity.
Misadventures in Mombasa
But the tumultuous tales didn’t end in Madrid. Revel Horwood also shared another travel mishap during a trip to Mombasa, Kenya. Upon his arrival at the airport, he discovered that the hotel he had booked had burned down, a revelation that came as a complete shock. “They said on arrival, ‘your hotel has burnt down’… no one bothered to tell us until we actually arrived,” he recounted, with an air of disbelief.
Despite the rocky start, the travel experience took a romantic turn with a cruise down the River Nile. However, the following day, an unforeseen health crisis struck. Revel Horwood and his fellow travellers began collapsing in the airport queue, victims of salmonella poisoning from poorly prepared chicken. “One by one, when we’re standing in the queue at the airport, people just were falling to the ground,” he recounted, illustrating the surreal sequence of events that marred his holiday.
Looking Ahead
As the new series of Strictly Come Dancing prepares to air on BBC One and iPlayer this September, Revel Horwood’s stories of resilience and misadventure serve as a reminder that even public figures face unexpected challenges. His candidness about these traumatic experiences not only humanises him but also engages audiences in a conversation about safety while travelling.
Why it Matters
Craig Revel Horwood’s experiences underscore the importance of vigilance while travelling, particularly in unfamiliar environments. His story serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting that even the most glamorous getaways can take a dark turn. As travel resumes globally, the need for awareness and safety remains paramount, reminding us all to remain cautious and prepared, regardless of the destination.
