Craig Revel Horwood has revealed he scouts The X Factor for talent for his West End musicals.
The Strictly Come Dancing judge has admitted he watches the rival TV talent show – despite the competitive Saturday night ratings battles between the two programmes – in the hope of finding fresh faces for his own productions.
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The 53-year-old choreographer told the Daily Star newspaper: “I do watch The X Factor. I do a lot of casting for my West End musicals on that show.
“It’s great for talent. I must thank Simon Cowell for introducing me to talented people.”
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The budding theatre director – who has helmed productions of Miss Saigon, West Side Story and Sunset Boulevard – previously said he wanted The X Factor to “keep going” after he employed former winner Alexandra Burke in his Sister Act show.
He explained: “I’d love to keep The X Factor going because I’ve employed Alexandra Burke in my Sister Act show.
“Simon Cowell is doing all the leg work for me in finding stars.”
Craig – who has been a Strictly judge since the show began in 2004 – has previously suggested his 59-year-old rival Simon could improve The X Factor ratings by appearing on Strictly.
He quipped to the Daily Star: “He might need to do it after this year’s dismal X Factor ratings. At least he’d get more viewers that way.”
“Simon would fit right in on the dancefloor with those high trousers.”
He’s made no secret of the fact he’d love the music mogul to appear on the dance show, telling This Morning earlier this year Simon was his dream contestant.
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The dancer also admitted he thinks Strictly trumps The X Factor because the show features established celebrities as opposed to “wannabes”.
He said: “We have celebrities whereas on The X Factor they’re wannabes hoping to be famous.”
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