Exclusive: 'X Factor' is an insult to people's intelligence, says 'Strictly' Craig

Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has told Digital Spy that he believes viewers are switching off from X Factor because they have "seen through" the Simon Cowell reality show.

Strictly has regularly been beating X Factor in this year's Saturday night ratings war and has even surpassed it on Sunday nights for the first time in the show's history. According to Horwood, this is because viewers prefer the "family entertainment" that Strictly offers.



"I think people have just seen through the X Factor format these days," Horwood told Digital Spy.

"I think it's an insult to one's intelligence. Strictly isn't like that.

"Strictly is family entertainment that all generations can watch at the same time. In an age when people only communicate with mobile phones and on the internet, we're a show that brings everyone together. Strictly transcends all audiences."



The reality TV judge continued: "We've got a classier production. It's fantastic family entertainment that all four generations can watch. From little kids, to mum and dads, grandparents and even great grandparents. It's something worth encouraging - it's a brilliant spend of the licence fee."

He joked: "We've also actually got celebrities who can dance this year - I'm loving it. It's a joy to not only record and do live, but also to just watch."

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday (November 3) at 6.30pm on BBC One.