Strictly’s Judge Rinder fires shots at fellow contestants claiming Ed Balls ‘will be a better dancer than a politician’
TV judge takes no prisoners as he blasts his fellow contestants ahead of new BBC series
JUDGE RINDER is usually the one dishing out the scathing verdicts.
But The Sun’s legal eagle columnist will now face judgement himself from CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD and co when he swaps the courtroom for the Strictly dance floor.
And as I give the judge, left, — real name Robert Rinder, — free reign of my Bizarre TV, it’s clear he won’t be silenced easily.
Taking the first pot-shots of the series at fellow contestant and former Shadow Chancellor ED BALLS, he said: “I’m sure he will be a much better dancer than he was a politician.”
And he also hit out at celebs with years of dance training.
I previously revealed how WILL YOUNG had been economical with the truth, saying he had never danced without a microphone, but had actually been attending ballet classes for 11 years.
To that Judge Rinder said: “Do I think they’ve got an advantage? Not really. I think the British public can tell, they want people to be good, but they also want to see people improve, I think.
“They want to see people go on a journey, but if they know how to dance already then all the better for them.
“I don’t want to be a total moron and be just known as the jazz-handed judge.”
Since the announcement of him joining the BBC1 show, fans have been anxiously waiting to see how he reacts when up against the panel — especially catty judge Craig.
And he is showing some willingness to relinquish power ahead of the series launch on Saturday, September 3.
He said: “I will have to accept their verdict I suppose, as long as they’re reasonable.
“Craig strikes me as kind and thoughtful and always tells the truth.
“So I am sure he and I will get on like a little house on fire in every conceivable sense.”
Over to you, Craig.
BENEDICT'S MY SHER-LUCKY CHARM
STRICTLY has unveiled its strongest A-list line-up in years.
But even the stars of the show will be battling for the spotlight when JUDGE RINDER brings guest of honour BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH to the studios for support.
The pair have been close since meeting in the National Youth Theatre where they also rubbed shoulders with CHIWETEL EJIOFOR and TOM HIDDLESTON.
Since then, Benedict even got ordained so he could officiate Judge Rinder’s wedding in Ibiza in 2013.
And Rinder was Benedict’s best man when he married SOPHIE HUNTER last year.
Rinder said: “My friends will be in the front row cheering me on. I’m sure Benedict and Sophie will be.
Would Benedict be good at dancing? He would be brilliant as he’s a natural at everything he does.”
I doubt BBC producers will be able to land him for next year.
I NEED A MEAN GIRL
MOST celebs on Strictly are coy about who they want for their dance partner.
But Judge Rinder is the first to be very specific about who his mentor should be – Russian, tough and gorgeous.
He said: “I’m hoping she’s going to be terribly mean and demanding. A terribly mean Russian.
“I respond well to terribly beautiful, terribly brilliant Russian women.
“I think it’s got something to do with discipline.
“I respond well to the discipline. I like people to be authentic, thoughtful and honest.”
The Sun revealed last week that contestants would be given advice in dealing with Strictly’s dreaded curse that has broken up several relationships in previous years.
But that doesn’t phase the telly barrister who is happily married to Seth Cummings.
He said: “I haven’t been invited to that meeting.
“I’ll be excused, like when I was in games lessons at school, I went and had some Strepsils with the school nurse.
“There’s certainly more chance of me winning Strictly than having an affair with my dance partner, but you know, who knows?”
That’s one thing he won’t want to go to court for.
LEN ESCAPES THE JUDGE'S ACID TONGUE
LEN GOODMAN will be spared JUDGE RINDER’s acid-tongue during his emotional farewell series.
The Strictly head judge announced his departure after confessing he was worn out by dividing his time between Strictly and Dancing With The Stars, the US version.
Len told how his gruelling schedule of flying 11 hours to LA to do their show for two days before flying back home had made him grumpy.
And while Rinder admits he won’t hold back with the show’s Mr Nasty, Craig, he has vowed to show Len the respect he deserves after 12 years at the helm of Strictly.
- JUDGE RINDER is preparing to make the most of hanging up his long black robe.
He said: “It’s always nice to have new clothes made for you.
“I hope they’re imaginative and revealing – like ANN WIDDECOMBE’s were.”
They’re going to need some serious alterations if they recycle those.