KEY POINTS:
Craig Revel Horwood came to New Zealand reputed to be the harshest judge on Britain's Strictly Come Dancing show.
He didn't take long to justify his standing in the opening episode of TV1's Dancing With The Stars , savaging Wanganui Mayor Michael Laws.
Laws may have gained sympathy from the other three judges, performing with two broken bones in his big right toe after an accident during practice, but the Australian-born Revel Horwood pulled no punches after Laws' opening routine.
"It was completely flat-footed all the way through, pigeon-toed in most places, you are raising your shoulders, your mouth was gaping open, catching blowflies. It was appalling."
Laws replied, as the crowd booed the judge: "Thank you very much. Welcome to New Zealand."
Revel Horwood scored Laws one out of 10.
With 17 points Laws scored the least while singer Megan Alatini topped the poll with 32.
Revel Horwood gave broadcaster Paul Holmes six out of 10, saying his waltz wasn't a bad effort.
"Your right hand was spread like a big old bunch of bananas, which is really, really ugly."
