'Ths is the first week I can look at your face...'

His comments are really uncalled for, and he's starting to tear the celeb down. Fine, comment on the dance technique, but his need to throw a personal insult within a backhanded compliment is just too much.

He is probably a friend of his and the more he insults Rinder, the better Rinder's chances become.

Maybe because Judge Rinder simpers a bit too much. Doesn't bother me though. I only noticed it last night, he over does it and yet Ore is vilified for showing any emotions. I like a bloke to show emotion.

Obviously Craig doesn't like him. That's reason enough for him to mark him down.

"I would too."
Rinder is far too "up himself."
The sooner he goes the better.

Think Craig should comment on Rinder's facial expressions rather than his actual face! Other than that, he does have a point. And of course the more Rinder answers him back the worse Craig will get.

However, I wouldn't be at all surprised if at the after-show booze-up they are best of mates!

Craig needs to be the only gay in the village. He doesn't like to be beaten in a camp-off.

(Although for all I know, Danny could be too.)

I was expecting bitchfights of huge proportions from these two but it's been a very "meh" affair so far.

Everybody is too media trained nowadays.

Prior to the show beginning, the tabloids were talking up some sort of potential clash between Robert and Craig because both are known for their caustic remarks and manner. Personally, I don't think that Craig has been any more critical or rude to Robert than to any other contestant who isn't fantastic. He always makes the point that Robert is potentially actually a really good dancer. Craig always has a ' thing' - usually a hand or thumb ...

As for Craig's comments about his facial expressions being distracting, I thought Darcey imitating his pout last week was far more offensive than anything that Craig has said.

I don't think Craig particularly dislikes Robert - in fact I suspect that he is mainly indifferent to one and all.

Oh, I dunno. I suppose it depends what you were expecting, but last night's comment from Craig about Rinder being 'stupid' seemed to have an edge to it. If Craig was joking, he hid it very well.

Well Craig finds it hard to keep his inner bitch in the box, no matter how hard he tries to make his thin veneer of good manners stretch.
Sometimes he seems to have all the personal charm and good breeding of a guttersnipe.

love the description.

I suspect Craig treats the asinine Rinder that way because he is such an unlikeable performer.

Craig was, and is, right to criticise Rinders awful gurning expressions. Rather than conveying enjoyment he seems rather to be portraying pain. He may be good in a pantomime aimed at pre-teenagers, but for adults he is a very definite turn-off.

The results so far would suggest very much otherwise.

He's just flirting.

For all his efforts to effect an English la-di-da accent, Craig is a guttersnipe. I wonder what names Dickens would have had for the Craigs of this world?

Craig's being mean to every contestant.

Much though I'm angry with Craig's reaction to Robert's back chat last night, with this I agree. I thought Darcey was offensive and the offence bordered homophobia.

I think there is some acrimony between Craig and Robert; did Robert spurn Craig? Were they both love rivals? Does Robert have the life Craig would like? But Bruno does not like Robert either and withholds on his votes too.

Presuming every interaction between gay men is due to flirting and ****ing is far more homophobic than imitating a pout.

I'm usually immune to the judgely pantomime stuff (pinches of salt), but I did think there was a personal edge to the exchange between Rob and Craig -- going both ways last night. Rinder seemed almost to bait Craig's acerbic side. No idea what it's about but my 'Heck, fight!' warning light suddenly came on while they were talking.

Dangerous game or clever ploy?? Or Heck, fight!

Well said.

It's all part of the pantomime. T'would be boring if he didn't have his (prepared) insults for the designated contestants.

I don't think that he's made of stone and I imagine that secretly that some of it does sting but I would imagine that Robert Rinder has heard worse in in career. Plus it's garnering him some sympathy so I shouldn't think that it will be bad for him.

He's more articulate than Craig and is appearing to be more popular and perhaps that's really what is fueling Craig's attitude to him, who knows? Either way, Robert has played the personalty side of this gig rather well and unless he makes a major mistake Craig's animosity is not going to hurt him.

I don't think there is any payment involved, they never got married

DRINK!

I think Robert is very quick witted though and usually has a suitable response - which will aggravate Craig more. Maybe it's a one-upmanship thing? I think Craig might have been put out from the start with Robert because in his very first dance he went into a Craig style pirouette across the floor. I notice Craig hasn't done it since!
Last week when Darcey was imitating the pout Roberts response was quite funny because he imitated her back but by making 'kissy lips' to her. I am sure she blushed but said 'Oh stop it'

It's interesting isn't it? Usually people play the Craig situation by suffering quietly under his comments. Then you get the sympathy vote for your silent pain and pluck. Have we ever seen someone go on the attack like Rinder seemed to be doing?

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