We know, we feel weird talking about New Year's Eve before the Christmas season – or even before I'm A Celeb has started – too, but we've just learned that Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood hosts an exceptionally WILD New Year's Eve – and New Year's Day – party at his house every year and, frankly, we had to drop everything and divulge all the details because this sounds FAB-U-LOUS.
For most of us, New Year's Eve entails staying in with a glass of bubbly and some Kettle Crisps, watching the countdown on telly, and perhaps popping outside to sneak a free peek at the neighbour's lacklustre fireworks display.
For the infamous Strictly 2024 judge, however, New Year's Eve entails 'speedos', a 'pool party', 'drag lasagne' and 'drag croquet', and we're SO glad we're not exaggerating.
We always knew the tongue-in-cheek Strictly villain was iconic and fabulous, but upon learning his eccentric annual New Year's Eve plans he's officially elevated himself to legendary status in our eyes and we're metaphorically chucking '10' placards at him.
The Strictly judge paid us a visit at Closer HQ earlier today (Wednesday 6 November) to chat all about his new album Revelations - Songs Boys Don't Sing and the accompanying UK tour. During a seasonal chat about the festive period, the topic of New Year's Eve came up and Craig stressed that he always looks forward to his and partner Jonathan Myring's annual bash and we can see why because this is giving Saltburn, The Great Gatsby, Alice in Wonderland and RuPaul's Drag Race all in beautiful fusion.
Painting a picture for us, Craig exclusively told Closer online that the dress code was 'normally swimwear'. As NYE takes place in the bleak midwinter for most of us, we naturally had a few questions...
He continued, 'I heat the pool, I do fireworks at midnight and then after that everyone goes in and has a swim. It’s all bikinis and speedos in January. But then I was born in Australia so for me [New Year's Eve] is hot. That’s just taking on a tradition and putting it in the middle of the countryside.'
That was already enough to push us over the edge, and then he described what happens on New Year's Day itself, 'Then we [all] have drag lasagne the next day and then after that we do drag croquet so it’s quite something.’
If you're wondering what the heck 'drag lasagne' and 'drag croquet' is and how you can start making your whole life about both of these things, rest assured we had exactly the same question. And Craig confirmed it's EXACTLY what you're imagining.
If you're also wondering whether his fellow Strictly judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke attend the bash, well, no they don't. According to Craig, they're always with their families. And to stress, Craig, we will abandon our families SO quickly should you be gracious enough to extend an invite.
Craig's debut album, Revelations - Songs Boys Don't Sing is available for streaming across all major platforms. Craig is also heading out on the road next year for an extensive 53-date UK tour, a FAB-U-LOUS night of glamour, tall tales and big songs from his debut solo album.
And side note, this album is beyond iconic - if you're having a sh*tty day, whack on Craig singing Poor Unfortunate Souls from The Little Mermaid on full blast.
You're welcome.
WATCH: Ever wondered how much the Strictly judges, pros and hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman get paid?
Ben Pulsford is a digital writer for Bauer Media, writing for both Closer online and heatworld. When he's not getting paid to gossip about Big Brother, Love Island, and The Real Housewives of Cheshire, he's storming the London LGBTQ+ scene as drag queen, Beary Poppins. Both Ben and Beary are awaiting an invite to join The Real Housewives of Cheshire for series 18. The budget's not there, but the drama is 💅.