Blurb from the inside cover:-
Craig Revel Horwood is no stranger to controversy. As the most outspoken judge on Strictly Come Dancing, he’s notorious for his cutting put-downs and frank analysis. But in All Balls and Glitter, he’s at his most honest yet as he turns the spotlight on himself to tell you all about his rise to fame.
With typical forthrightness, Craig recounts his remarkable story, describing how a shy, overweight boy from Australia battled against the odds to achieve his dreams. His inspirational account unflinchingly relates his abusive family background and treachery in his personal life, yet he remains uncompromisingly positive.
Featuring Craig’s sparkling wit and acerbic humour, All Balls and Glitter is filled with diverting stories of theatrical excess, explosive revelations and breathtaking theatrical gossip, and paints an intimate portrait of the man behind the ‘TV villain’ we all love to hate.
Whether regaling us with exclusive Strictly stories, spilling the secrets of his murky past, or cataloguing his countless altercations with celebrities, All Balls and Glitter is a memoir guaranteed to score a perfect 10.
I really enjoyed All Balls and Glitter. I’m a great fan of Strictly Come Dancing and I’ve always been intrigued by the judges and wanted to find out more about their dancing experience and careers before the show. This book is a truly warts and all autobiography and is packed with details of all the blood, sweat and tears which goes hand in hand with being a dancer and judge. I loved the colourful photographs in the middle of the book and Craig’s fearlessness and honesty. This is a must-read book for all Strictly Come Dancing fans.
Craig Revel Horwood is an internationally acclaimed dancer, director and choreographer. He is the judge on the award-winning BBC entertainment programme, Strictly Come Dancing and also adjudicates the New Zealand show Dancing With the Stars. He has been twice nominated for Best Choreography at the Laurence Oliver Awards. And his numerous theatre credits include Cats, Miss Saigon, West Side Story and Spend Spend Spend.
My Review
This is an excellent book from start to finish. I heartily recommend it to everyone. It made me laugh, it made me cry – it shocked me in places!
I only know Craig from Strictly Come Dancing, and I had actually forgotten that he used to sit next to Len! It was very interesting to learn of all the stage shows he was involved in and all the other TV projects he has worked on. However, his personal life is where all the real fun was!
There are some lovely photographs in the middle of the book, where we get to see Craig in his full glory as “Lavish”, his drag queen alter-ego, as well as plenty of “family” shots.
I feel like I know Craig as a person now. I read this book from cover to cover in about 3 days. It is written in such a straightforward manner that you don’t really have to think too much about what is being said to be able to understand it.
Probably not one for the kids though!
All Balls and Glitter: My Life is published by Michael O’Mara Books. Price is £18.99 for the hardback.
