Strictly's Brendan Cole denies being sacked for breaking Royal engagement protocol

Strictly Come Dancing professional Brendan Cole has refuted claims he was let go for breaking protocol.

The dance star revealed last month on Lorraine that his contract with the BBC reality show has not been renewed, so he will be leaving the programme after 13 years.

‘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,’ he revealed, before saying he was ‘in a bit of shock’ over the news.

However, despite murmurs that the US version want to snap him up, rumours continue to circulate over the reason his time is up on the popular Saturday night show.

According to a source at The Sun, Brendan, 41, was let go because he broke protocol during a Royal engagement he attended. During the event, he approached The Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla Parker Bowles, and began dancing with her.

‘The event had been very carefully orchestrated, largely due to Craig’s friendship with Camilla — and everyone, including Brendan, had been given an extremely clear briefing,’ the source claimed.

‘It was a tea dance in aid of an osteoporosis charity encouraging older people to stay active and each of the professionals was to pair up with the guests while Craig danced with Camilla.

‘But Brendan being Brendan had to make it about him and ignored everyone and made a beeline for Camilla — who politely didn’t cause a scene.

‘Everyone was outraged by the cheek of his actions, he always has to be centre of attention,’ they concluded.

The insider went on to say how it was ‘the final straw for everyone involved with the show and the BBC. They just realised he couldn’t be controlled.’

However, Brendan himself has released a statement denying the accusation. His spokesperson said: ‘I can confirm that these assertions are absolutely, categorically untrue. There was no such brief from BBC.’

Whether there was or wasn’t a brief issued by the allegedly furious BBC producers, something has made them unwilling to renew his contract, with Brendan having been part of the show from the very beginning.

The latest series of Strictly Come Dancing came to an end on 16 December and its 16th season is due back on BBC One later this year.

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