Craig Revel Horwood is widely known for his famously stern and sometimes grumpy judging style on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. However, according to Cheltenham resident Danella Mercati, he is quite a different character away from the Strictly spotlight.
Danella, a performer and fitness professional, has been working with Craig through her growing business, ChiChi Fit, which she founded in 2016. The concept centres on dance classes set to popular musical theatre music, designed to help people improve their fitness while having fun.
Since its launch in 2018, ChiChi Fit has gained impressive momentum. Hundreds of members attend physical classes either with Danella herself or with her many trained instructors across the UK and internationally. Additionally, many participants follow the sessions online from home, expanding the programme’s reach well beyond Cheltenham.
READ MORE: Cheltenham Racecourse Faces Uncertain Future Amid Dry Summer Concerns
READ MORE: Cheltenham Morrisons Given One-Star Food Hygiene Rating Amid Safety Concerns
Craig played a key role in helping Danella establish ChiChi Fit and remains a committed supporter. He regularly participates in classes and endorses the inclusive message that fitness can be accessible to all, while also offering a glimpse into the glamorous world of showbusiness.
Danella describes Craig as “all smiles” during classes and notes how much he appreciated the idea when she first introduced it to him. His enthusiasm led to his appointment as an official ambassador for ChiChi Fit in 2023.
Having developed a close working relationship, Danella offers a fresh perspective on the TV personality: “He’s known on TV as the grumpy judge but in reality, he’s the kindest and loveliest man. He gets quite a lot of flak on Strictly, but his talents and warmth go far beyond what viewers see.
“He’s passionate about ChiChi Fit because it opens doors for ordinary people to experience the excitement of show business or even pursue careers as instructors in the programme.
“We’re truly transforming lives, both locally and internationally.”
Danella, who lives in Cheltenham’s Warden Hill area, draws on over 25 years of experience in performing arts and fitness. With a background including musical theatre training at the Guildford School of Acting, she has crafted ChiChi Fit to turn physical movement into confidence-building fun.
She explains: “It’s about the transformative power of show tunes – they’re filled with possibility and joy.”
Craig shares this enthusiasm. In a statement he said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be an ambassador for ChiChi Fit. Their unique musical theatre-based exercise combines fitness, performance, and pure joy in the most uplifting way.
“It’s a fabulous celebration of movement, confidence and self-expression – all things I’m incredibly passionate about.
“ChiChi Fit makes exercise exciting, inclusive and wonderfully theatrical and I’m thrilled to support such an inspiring programme.”
Danella’s in-person classes in Gloucestershire currently attract 25 to 30 participants at a time, while the online community has grown rapidly, with members joining from countries such as the USA, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia.
“The programme has really taken off in America,” Danella explains. “Our membership has more than doubled through the ‘The Stage is Yours’ on-demand platform. They’re going crazy for ChiChi Fit.”
Reflecting on her journey, Danella recalls a pivotal moment early on in her career. While working at a prestigious health resort in the Caribbean, she met Sir Paul McCartney, who advised her to “create your own stage.” This encouragement stayed with her and inspired the fusion of her passions for show tunes, dance, and wellness.
ChiChi Fit differs from traditional fitness programmes by engaging participants emotionally as well as physically. Each class feels like a theatrical performance, incorporating iconic songs, dynamic choreography and cardiovascular exercise.
Rather than simply moving bodies, ChiChi Fit classes build stamina and strength while making participants feel part of a Broadway ensemble.
Danella sums up her mission: “My vision is simple but powerful – to help people step into their own spotlight, rediscover their sparkle and prove that fitness can be joyful, inclusive and unforgettable.”