Craig Revel Horwood (57), is the celebrity Patron for North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust’s charity (NWAFT), which supports patients and staff at Peterborough City, Hinchingbrooke and Stamford and Rutland Hospitals.

Peterborough Matters caught up the fabulous judge on Monday (January 24) on his move to the city and his decision to lend support to NWAFT.

Fortunately, or unfortunately, we got on with the interview without me showcasing my dance moves.

Horwood moved to the Peterborough area in October last year and currently lives in a countryside property between Peterborough and Rutland Water.

He says he “absolutely loves it in the village with a great vibe and community”.

On Monday (January 24), it was revealed, he has chosen North West Anglia Foundation trust (NWAFT) charities to become their celebrity patron, as he believes “this is local hospital trust now and he hopes to support them and help give back to the community he lives in.’

Horwood said: “Everybody needs supports but the NHS is going to be the one that I will be supporting - they have been supporting us all through. The staff has been on their feet all through the pandemic and it would be nice to give something back to them. And this is the community I live in now and that’s why I felt important to support them rather than a big organisation.

“I moved in October so quite recently, but it’s been a great sort of village vibe - I have not had that before. In London you are ignored and in Hampshire where I lived in a country property, I had a mile-long drive and I had no neighbours so it’s nice to be back in the community.

“Everyone is lovely – there's actually a pub and a shop that I can walk to, it’s absolutely great. People love to chat and interact, it feels welcoming and amazing.

“Supporting hospitals in the area is very important – especially if I am going to be using them and hence why I chose NWAFT.

“I chose charities only if they are local or in my heart. The other main charity I support is the Royal Society of Osteoporosis. My mum has Rheumatoid arthritis - a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints, so I wanted to do something to support an organisation with bones.

“Dance can help you with not getting it. So, I was promoting bone health in schools etc- encouraging people to do weight bearing exercises.

“And I think it couldn’t be a better time to put both of the charities I support in it together. I really want to do something for the NHS- I feel like I haven't; given them back and thought about what I could do and that’s why I have joined the local hospital trust.”

So, has he had a chance to explore Peterborough yet?

“I haven't had a lot of chance yet as I was on tour doing Panto, but I have been to Stamford and Rutland Water and I am just about getting out and about now. Of course, Peterborough Cathedral is fantastic.

“I am going to be at the Cresset Theatre, performing a one-man show - The All Balls and Glitter Tour in March which I am looking forward to, I think that’s going to be like an awakening. It’s going to be great and I am looking forward to seeing what Peterborough and the surrounding areas have to offer.

Wrapping up the interview, Horwood gave a kiss to the NHS and thanked them for all their efforts with this message:

“I was thrilled and truly touched to be asked to support my local hospitals’ charity as patron.

“It has been a tough couple of years for the NHS and I salute all its staff for all the great work they are doing. I’m looking forward to supporting the charity to help raise funds which will directly help patients and staff by improving their experiences.

“To all the people who work in the NHS – just want to say thank you-and I say it three times and I am giving a little kiss just like Giovanni does on the show (Strictly Come Dancing) to partner Rose.

“Because they have been working tirelessly. I think they need to be hugged and thanked and they need to love themselves too. I want them to know that we are here for them too.

“And I will do absolutely everything I can in my power darling, to make this charity work, especially for them. I want their morale to be boosted and I want them to know that we know they are working hard to make our lives better, to tell them they are appreciated. It’s up to us now to make their lives better.”

The new-look North West Anglia Hospitals’ Charity relaunched at an online event with hospital staff on Monday (January 24) where the announcement of the new celebrity patron was made. The surprise event was held online allowing Trust staff to safely join charity staff and fund managers for the announcement.

Trust staff were also given the opportunity to meet Craig and ask questions at an online 45-minute live lunchtime chat.

Dr Kanchan Rege, Chief Medical Officer for the Trust said: “This is a really exciting time for our hospitals’ charity. Not only are we relaunching with a fresh new look, we now have the A-MAZE-ING Craig Revel Horwood as our charity patron.

“It is a real honour to have Craig join us and support our charity and we are all extremely grateful to Craig for taking the time out of his busy schedule to help us with the charity’s relaunch. He will certainly help us shine the spotlight on our charity plans for 2022 and beyond, in particular support our campaigns to raise awareness and funds for our patients and staff.”