Brendan Cole 'in shock' after being axed from Strictly Come Dancing
Strictly Come Dancing veteran Brendan Cole has been dropped by the BBC reality show.
Having been a prominent part of the show for 13 years, Brendan, 41, revealed the surprising news on this morning’s edition (30 January) of ITV1’s Lorraine.
Speaking to the show’s host. Lorraine Kelly, the star revealed it was ‘actually quite hard to talk about.
‘The BBC haven’t renewed my contract. We get contracted year upon year. They made an editorial decision not to have me on the show.
‘I’m in a bit of shock at the moment, it’s quite emotional,’ he said.
Brendan had been a member of the professional ballroom team since the show began in 2004. The BBC has issued a statement, saying they were thankful for him ‘being part of the show since the beginning’.
A BBC spokesperson added: ‘We’d like to thank Brendan for being part of the show since the beginning – winner of the first series – and for the contribution he has made to its success.
‘We wish him all the very best for the future.’
It’s an abrupt end to the ballroom dancer’s Strictly career, after most recently appearing with Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins on the dancing series.
She shared her thoughts with her 152,000 followers, and expressed her sadness at the decision.
Sad news from my dance partner @BrendanCole this morning that he won’t be a part of @bbcstrictly anymore. What an end of an era – he’s been such an integral part of the show since it started 15 series ago. It won’t be the same without him
— Charlotte Hawkins (@CharlotteHawkns) January 30, 2018
After reaching out, Brendan shared the following statement:
‘I won’t be returning to Strictly. After being part of the show since the beginning, it’s an odd feeling to know that I won’t be back. However, I’ve had an incredible time as part of the Strictly family – the team are brilliant which helps make it the best show on TV. As sorry as I am to not be asked back, I’m excited to see what the future brings.’
The dancer, who is currently touring with his musical show, All Night Long, will have the time to be able to pursue other things, as well as spend time more with his partner Zoe Hobbs.
The couple, who married in 2010, are also expecting their second child, so will give him more flexibility to spend around his family.
Read more:
Disney star arrested for multiple robberies
Ed Sheeran declared dead by Norwegian newspaper
TMNT spotted admiring artwork of namesake