Craig Revel Horwood suffered ‘double whammy’ loss of friends Paul O’Grady and Len Goodman

Craig Revel Horwood became emotional as he discussed the double loss of good friends Paul O’Grady and Len Goodman just weeks apart.

Appearing on ITV’s This Morning on Thursday, the Strictly Come Dancing judge, 58, recalled some of his special memories of the late stars while speaking with hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.

The Australian-born professional dancer is currently starring as Miss Hannigan in a touring production of Annie, a role that he previously shared with O’Grady.

Revel Horwood admitted that he found it “hard to breathe” when he thought back to his final conversations with O’Grady, who died “suddenly but peacefully” on March 28.

Craig Revel Horwood said he found it ‘hard to breathe’ when thinking back to his and Paul O’Grady’s final conversations (ITV)

Reflecting on sharing the role of Miss Hannigan with him, he said: “[Paul] said that my Miss Hannigan was very glamorous and that his was very downtrodden! He was just absolutely brilliant. So funny. He was much loved and is missed.

Turning to Goodman, who passed away on April 23 following a secret battle with bone cancer, he said: “It really hit me [with Len] because I’m performing in Dartford at the moment and that’s where Len and his lovely wife taught me ballroom and latin.

“When I joined Strictly, I was a classical dancer but not ballroom and latin and he said ‘you need to get down my school’ and I learnt to dance there with him. I have fantastic memories of him…”

Craig Revel Horwood pictured with Len Goodman (PA)

He added: “I didn’t even know he was ill, so it was a huge shock for me and I know he wanted to keep it quiet… but a brilliant brilliant man who brought ballroom back to the world. He was fantastic.”