Strictly's Horwood revels in role as panto villain

The line-up for one of a city's biggest Christmas pantomimes has been announced.

Craig Revel Horwood, Andy Ford and BBC Radio Bristol's Joe Sims are all joining the cast for a rendition of Sleeping Beauty at the Bristol Hippodrome for the month of December.

Strictly Come Dancing judge Revel Horwood has been cast as this year's pantomime villain, Sleeping Beauty's wicked aunt Carabosse and is relishing the prospect.

"She's a wicked fairy, which is totally unlike me darling," said Revel Horwood.

Revel Horwood has a reputation for being the pantomime villain for the critiques and feedback he offers to some of Strictly's contestants and says that image has eased the transition from ballroom judge to fantasy evil aunt.

"The beauty of panto is that I can play both parts, I can break the fourth wall and be Craig Revel Horwood as well as Carabosse.

"It's great because you can go into the whole thing of being a villain and it's way more outrageous than when I'm on Strictly.

"On Strictly I'm there judging and it's the audience that have branded me the villain, but I'm just telling people the truth darling.

"[Whereas] playing the villains in panto, it's totally dishonest, it's totally fantastic and I love it because it's makeup, it's costumes and it's over the top."

Revel Horwood says he "absolutely loves" Bristol but admits he is having trouble understanding the accent of his onstage right hand man, The Henchman, played by Broadchurch and Doctor Who actor Joe Sims.

Sims, who also hosts BBC Radio Bristol's breakfast programme has promised to help him get to grips with the lingo and says the opportunity is a Bristolian's dream come true.

"When someone gave me the opportunity to be Craig Revel Horwood's right hand man, I was just thinking it sounds absolutely amazing," said Sims.

"The idea that this year my kids are going to be there... it feels like a bucket list thing."

Sleeping Beauty debuts at the Bristol Hippodrome on 4 December and closes on 4 January.

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