Quick! Stop the press! Judge Rinder has a soft side!
The acidic daytime TV judge left Entertainment Daily winded when he expressed an uncharacteristically thoughtful side.
When asked why he was so keen to agree to appear on the show, he admitted that with the world in the unhappy state it is at the moment we all need a show like Strictly Come Dancing to keep us smiling.
“There are some terrible things going on in the world and Strictly offers people some escapism in the most beautiful way,” Rinder – real name Robert – told us.
“I had been asked before and I thought this was the year. I also have family members who love this show. My grandmother absolutely loves this programme.
“For a lot of people, whatever negativity there is in the week, this is one of the few programmes that the entire family of every generation can share in. It’s a big deal especially for my grandmother.”
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He added: “l hope my gran can make it down come to the studio to see me – she hasn’t smiled since 1973, so we’re quite excited.”
But just in case you think Rinder has gone too nice, he saved his acid tongue for fellow Panto villain, Craig Revel Horwood.
Asked if he’s excited about a clash, he seethed sarcastically: “I am sure Craig and I will get on brilliantly.
“He’s very similar to me; thoughtful honest, clever and modest. And we have a good eye. I’m sure we will get on brilliantly.
“I won’t need to answer back to him if he considers my dancing to be brilliant. We’d have no reason to cross swords at any point whatsoever.”
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Saving his most barbed comment until last, a surprisingly muscular Rinder stabbed: “My only concern is I don’t want him to frown. I don’t think he should frown. Not at his age. And not with all that work.”
Ouch! We can’t wait to see these fellas go head to head over the next few weeks.