Brendan Cole has confirmed that he will not be returning to Strictly Come Dancing after 14 years on the popular BBC show.
The professional dancer opened up about the shocking news in an interview with Lorraine Kelly.
Thank you @BrendanCole https://t.co/emJ4m8g4Zg
— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) January 30, 2018
The dad admitted that he was stunned by the decision, “It’s hard to talk about. The BBC haven’t renewed my contract."
EXCLUSIVE: Stay tuned - @BrendanCole will be making a BIG announcement later on the show pic.twitter.com/kZcw8PfLtq
— Lorraine on ITV (@ITVLorraine) January 30, 2018
The dancer revealed that the BBC made the final decision, “They made an editorial decision to not have me on the show. I’m quite emotional.”
Brendan was part of the award-winning show for over a decade, so it’ll come as no surprise to hear that he is hurt by the decision.
Many fans believe that his controversial opinions tainted his relationship with the BBC, “It’s an editorial decision. I’m a very strong character within the show, I had my strong views.”
Fans and friends of the dancer took to Twitter to express their disappointment:
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
Crikey! Not sure it’ll be the same without you @BrendanCole - I will certainly miss your unique style xxxxxx https://t.co/fdvE5gXBgS
— Kate Garraway (@kategarraway) January 30, 2018
Shame on @bbcstrictly for not renewing @BrendanCole contract. he is by far and away my favourite dancer, a truly amazing credit to his profession. Poor decision #StrictlyComeDancing
— Helen (@helsbels_1610) January 30, 2018
Sad to hear @BrendanCole now not part of @bbcstrictly Not only a brilliant dancer/choreographer/teacher, it was wonderful to have someone with such experience of the show. It’s a wild, wonderful and bonkers environment and he helped me enjoy it and gave others advice too
— Sophie Ellis-Bextor (@SophieEB) January 30, 2018
Feeling for my friend @BrendanCole - with Strictly since day 1, and such a big character on the show https://t.co/ksZFuLnPN7
— Jeremy Vine (@theJeremyVine) January 30, 2018
Brendan Cole is Mr Strictly......bad decision BBC the show will not be the same without him #StrictlyComeDancing
— margaret fitzpatrick (@northwitch) January 30, 2018
I FINALLY GET A TV LICENSE AND BRENDAN COLE LEAVES STRICTLY. WHY AM I EVEN PAYING THIS LICENSE FEE????
— if you're Hattie and you know it (@hatteatime) January 30, 2018
Absolutely shocked that @BrendanCole will not be returning to @bbcstrictly as he is/has been such an integral part of the Show. Big mistake BBC, Brendan made it more interesting! At least I get the privilege of seeing him dance, yet again, on his Tour. #WrongDecision #NotHappy
— Nicola Bell (@Nicola_Bell_) January 30, 2018
This is a terrible decision! #StrictlyComeDancing needs a variety of expertise, opinion and inspiration from its pros. Brendan was one of the best. You're turning the professionals into dancing robots with no depth. #BringBackBrendan
— Hattie Glenn (@HattieG1) January 30, 2018
The ballroom dancer has often expressed his anger with the judges’ critique, especially last series where he often got involved with arguments with head judge Shirley Ballas.
Brendan admitted that he always knew that this day would come, but ultimately he would have liked to have a say in the life-changing decision, “It’s a recent decision. I would have preferred to have made the decision myself.”
In 2004, Brendan lifted the glitter ball trophy with Natasha Kaplinksy, making them the first Strictly Come Dancing champions.
Will you be sad to see Brendan go?