James Jordan slams BBC's decision to axe Brendan Cole from Strictly Come Dancing: ‘They don’t like people with opinions’

Angry: James Jordan credited Brendan Cole with making the show
Emma Powell30 January 2018
The Weekender

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Former Strictly Come Dancing star James Jordan has blasted the BBC for dropping Brendan Cole from the show, claiming the broadcaster dislikes people with "opinions".

Cole, 41, announced his departure on ITV’s Lorraine, telling viewers his contract had not been renewed and that he wishes he had been able to make the decision to leave himself.

Reacting to the news, Jordan – who was sacked from the show in 2014 – said: “Just seen my mate @BrendanCole has not been asked back on Strictly.

“Seems like they don’t want anyone on the show that has an opinion. Especially when he played a massive part in making the show what it is today.

“Wishing him all the best in his future endeavours. Will be missed.”

Cole has been a regular on the BBC ballroom show since the first series in May 2004, which he won with news reader Natasha Kaplinsky.

Charlotte Hawkins, his most recent celebrity partner, paid tribute to the New Zealand dancer, calling his departure the “end of an era”.

She wrote: “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.”

Last dance: Charlotte Hawkins dancing the Waltz with Brendan Cole
BBC/Guy Levy

Fans slammed the news with some calling for a boycott of the show.

Speaking to Lorraine Kelly about his departure Cole 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.

“I have had 15 incredible series on the show, I’m very proud of the whole show, they’re a great team. I’m disappointed. It’s very hard to talk about. It’s a recent decision.”

Brendan Cole - In pictures

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