Brendan Cole has been axed from ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
The 41-year-old professional dancer – who has appeared on the programme since 2004 and is known for his feisty tongue – is devastated that the BBC have decided not to renew his contract for the ballroom and latin show this year, but he believes it’s their loss because they won’t have someone to argue back with the judges anymore.
Speaking on ‘Lorraine’ on Tuesday (30.01.18), he said: "It’s quite, actually, hard to talk about. The BBC haven’t renewed my contract.
"We get contracted year upon year. They’ve made an editorial decision to not have me back on the show. I’m a little bit in shock. I’m quite emotional, a bit raw about it.
"It’s done via a process of a phone call and stuff. I have had 15 incredible series on the show. I’m very proud of the whole show. It’s a great team. I’m disappointed. It’s very hard to talk about. It’s a recent decision.
"I’ve always known this day would come. To get to this point, the BBC make the decisions year upon year. It’s an editorial decision. I’m sure I’ll never know the ins and outs. I’m a very strong character within the show, I have my strong views.
"…I feel like I’ve made a massive difference to the show. Even though the show has a different team, I will always be one of the ones who was part of the journey who got it to where it is today. And to not be apart of that is hard.
"It’s going to be hard for me to watch but I’m a fan of the show and the show comes first. They’ve made the decision and I respect it completely – I don’t like it very much – but I still want to support my friends. I’m a strong character in the show and they won’t have that anymore. No one will argue with the judges."
Brendan found out his fate last week but has kept the heartbreaking news to himself until today when he told his fellow professionals that he won’t be returning this year.
He explained: "I literally told the pros about 10 minutes ago. I couldn’t say it. My heart has been racing since I came on the show to tell you yesterday."
And, although he’s anxious about what the future holds, he’s feeling positive and will have his hands full as his wife Zoe is due to give birth to their second child this year.
He said: "It opens up a world of possibilities that I haven’t had before. I’m excited about the future but I’m nervous about it."
Brendan Cole gets axed from Strictly Come Dancing
