Following the former magician’s assistant’s performance of the Foxtrot, the judge insisted that the pair were “out of hold” for too long. 

When asked by host Tess Daly what he made of the dance, he critiqued: “You are a bit too long out of hold but I think Giovanni you know that don’t you darling. So I have deducted one point for that.”

The Italian dancer was left stunned by the judge’s remark asking: “Sorry, what?”

“You were darling,” Craig hit back, as Tess claimed the dancer had not heard what he’s said, begging: “Could you repeat yourself please?”

But the pair ignored the presenter as Giovanni demanded to know which part of the routine Craig took issue with, saying: “The last bit?”

“No it wasn’t the last bit, it was the whole last bit completely, it was miles,” the 52-year-old slammed. 

As Giovanni shook his head, Craig went on: “Anyway, we don’t need to discuss that. You know the rules.”

Despite his criticism, head judge Shirley Ballas was mesmerised by the performance, commenting: “Well, I do truly think that you are heaven sent.

“I think you are the most beautiful lady, I think you are elegant, I think you are gorgeous and I think you both had some wonderful sweeping moments.

“Thank you for closing our show like that. It was amazing.”

Strictly Come Dancing continues tomorrow on BBC One at 7.15pm.