Judge Rinder takes a swipe at Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood ahead of launch show
Barrister has already locked horns with the show's Mr Nasty and their catty comments look set to continue
JUDGE Rinder has taken the first swipe at Craig Revel Horwood - before the new series of Strictly Come Dancing has even begun.
The ITV star will take to the dancefloor for the first time tonight when the 2016 launch show airs, and while there have been rumours of backstage sniping on previous series, this year, it all looks set to take place in front of the cameras.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun Online, Judge Rinder - real name Robert Rinder - said: "The main thing is I’m concerned, I don’t want him to frown or anything like that.
"I don’t think he should frown, not at his age, plus all the work."
The star had his tongue firmly in his cheek about what his relationship with Craig - who is known for his withering put downs as much as he is -will be like.
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He said: "I’m sure we’ll get on brilliantly, I mean he’s very similar to me, thoughtful, honest, clever and has a good eye, so I’m sure we’ll just get on."
Asked if he would give as good as he got if he was on the receiving end of Craig's sharp tongue, he joked: "Why would I need to do that?
"While he considers my dancing to be brilliant I’m sure we’ll have no reason to cross swords in any sense."
Judge Rinder doesn't mince his words when it comes to dealing with the public who appear on his popular show, but when it comes to Strictly, he is happy for the roles to be reversed and to receive some criticism himself - even if it is from Craig.
He added: "It’s totally different, I might get a little bit antsy if he starts commenting on my contract but he knows about dance and I don’t so I’ll have to take what he says with a degree of salt I suppose."
However Craig, 51, is ready for some on-screen catfights between the two of them, telling Good Morning Britain recently: "I’m looking forward to that enormously.
“We might have some nice little catfights darling.
“If he can take the criticism on-board that I will supply him with in abundance, constructively, he will come back feeling more special and better.”
Strictly Come Dancing starts tonight, BBC One, at 6.50pm.
