Brendan Cole has revealed that he won’t be returning for the 2018 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The shock announcement was made during an appearance on ITV’s Lorraine this morning. The professional dancer, who has appeared on every series of Strictly, was most recently partnered with Good Morning Britain’s Charlotte Hawkins.
Admitting it was hard to talk about, Cole said, āThe BBC havenāt renewed my contract. We get contracted year upon year. Theyāve made an editorial decision to not have me back on the show. Iām a little bit in shock. Iām quite emotional, a bit raw about it.”
Going on to explain how the news was broken to him Cole added, āItās done via a process of a phone call and stuff. I have had 15 incredible series on the show. Iām very proud of the whole show. Itās a great team.ā
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Over his time on the series Cole was renowned for clashing with the judges and airing his strong opinions on the critique directed towards his celebrity partner.
Cole told Lorraine that he wanted to stay with the show.
āYeah [I still wanted to be part of it]. Iāve always said as long as Iāve got a passion for it I want to be there. My passion is still very much there. Iāll miss being part of the team. Iāll miss being a Strictly dancer. Itās kind of weird to imagine yourself not having that as yourā¦ I do a lot of other things of course, but the main thing Iāve been known for is to be a dancer on Strictly. Very odd to even say this out loud. It feels quite raw.ā
Looking to the future Cole explained, āThis is the exciting thing, itās going to open up many opportunities. Iāve always been, I wouldnāt say tied down to Strictly, thatās the wrong thing to say, but that Strictly takes up such a large chunk of your time ā five months of the year the pros are involved […] Iāve had to pass up so many opportunities that have come my way.ā
Lorraine airs on ITV weekdays from 8.30am – 9.25am.