Brendan Cole reveals he has been sacked from Strictly

He’s been on Strictly Come Dancing for 13 years and 15 series.

But professional dancer Brendan Cole, 41, broke down in tears on Tuesday on Lorraine as he revealed that he has been sacked from the show.

The emotional star, who revealed the news on the rival ITV channel, said: ‘This is hard to talk about. The BBC haven’t renewed my contract. 

‘They have made an editorial decision not to have me back on the show. I have had 15 incredible series on the show, they are a great team.

‘I am very disappointed. It’s an editorial decision. I will never know the ins and outs’

The BBC told MailOnline on Tuesday: ‘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.’  

He said: ‘They have made an editorial decision not to have me back on the show. I have had 15 incredible series on the show, they are a great team’ – pictured with Charlotte Hawkins

Brendan, who was partnered with GMB host Charlotte Hawkins on the last series, seemed to imply that his strong opinions may have had something to do with him losing his position on the show.

He said: ‘I have strong views, I’m a character on the show. I have always said as long as I’ve got a passion for it, I want to be there. I want to still be there.’ 

‘I will miss being a Strictly dancer. It’s very odd to say this out loud. It’s still very raw.’ 

All over: Brendan and Charlotte (pictured) were eliminated in week four – in stark contrast to his series debut in 2004 in which he and Natasha Kaplinsky won the show

He continued: ‘I am very disappointed. It’s an editorial decision. I will never know the ins and outs’

In 2010, Brendan married model Zoe Hobbs, who is expecting their second child in around a month’s time. The pair are already proud parents to daughter, Aurelia.  

But remaining positive, he said: ‘It’s going to open up many opportunities. I have had to pass up other things, but I am very sad to leave and not be asked back.

‘Now I’m available for weddings, funerals and Bar Mitzvahs.

‘It’s the BBC’s decision and they have a vision of the show, and I am not part of that vision. I would have preferred to make that decision. I haven’t made a noise on the show the last five years I suppose.

Not impressed: Viewers took to Twitter in their droves over the decision with many saying they didn’t agree with the BBC’s decision

‘It’s one of those things where you go – when shall I leave? But every year I realise how much I love the show.’ 

Brendan then started to break down as he said: ‘To feel I’m not going to be part of it anymore is… It’s changed our lives dramatically.

‘I think about everyone there, and I think bl**dy hell, I’m not going to be part of that team, and they are still going to be there.

‘I will still watch, I’m a big fan, I don’t like the decision though.’

Brendan found out his fate last week but has kept the heartbreaking news to himself until today when he told his fellow professionals that he won’t be returning this year. 

He said: ‘No one will argue with the judges – I don’t know who I’m going to hand the baton to. I only told the other pros ten minutes ago. I’m nervous about the future.

‘Since I found out last week I have been on the tour, and it has affected my performance.’  

Shock: His rumoured affair with Strictly contestant and newsreader, Natasha Kaplinsky gave way to the dawn of the Strictly Curse in 2004 – pictured together that year 

Fuming: At the time, the dancer was engaged to fellow pro Camilla Dallerup as he waltzed his way to victory in the debut series of the show, but they split after eight years together 

Brendan’s fans speculated that he could be leaving the show as far back as November, after he reflected on his time on the show in an emotional look-back video.

The BBC declined to comment to MailOnline on this. 

The New Zealand dancer said that his time on the show was ‘euphoric’ as he recalled some of his favourite partners from the 15 series he had been involved in. 

Sad: Social media was awash with more comments from disgruntled viewers 

He said: ’15 series of Strictly Come Dancing, it’s been euphoric, it’s been tough, it is my life and I’m very, very proud to have been a part of every single second of it.’ 

Fans at the time, took to Twitter in panic over the segment, saying that it felt like a ‘goodbye video’, after Brendan had previously hinted he may not return next series.

One fan wrote: ‘Brendan still talking as if this is his last series?’

Another added: ‘Sounds like a goodbye speech, Brendan!’

A third emotionally tweeted: ‘That sounded like a goodbye to me. We want another 15 years!’ 

Making a scene: Last year, it was reported that Brendan has been playfully ridiculed by his fellow co-stars for his flirting with new dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova, 29

His amour: In 2010, Brendan married model Zoe Hobbs, who is expecting their second child in around a month’s time. The pair are already proud parents to daughter, Aurelia

Brendan became a household name just as much for his colourful love life, than his dance routines, before he married Zoe. 

His rumoured affair with Strictly contestant and newsreader, Natasha Kaplinsky gave way to the dawn of the Strictly Curse in 2004. 

At the time, the dancer was engaged to fellow pro Camilla Dallerup as he waltzed his way to victory in the debut series of the show. 

Brendan split with her after eight-years as a direct result of the rumours.

And last year, it was reported that Brendan has been playfully ridiculed by his fellow co-stars for his flirting with new dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova, 29. 

Brendan Cole: His Strictly journey

Brendan Cole has appeared in all of Strictly Come Dancing’s 15 seasons – with his 2017 run his last.

SEASON 1: Brendan was partnered with BBC newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky

SEASON 1: Brendan was partnered with BBC newsreader and presenter Natasha Kaplinsky. The duo went on to win the first ever season of Strictly. Brendan’s then-fiancée, Camilla Dallerup, reportedly broke off her engagement to him at the end of the season, after rumours of an affair between the two came to light.

SEASON 2: For the second round of the show, Brendan was paired with Casualty actress Sarah Manners. They were eliminated in the fifth round. He returned for the 2004 Christmas Special and danced once more with Natasha, coming in second place.

SEASON 3: This time Brendan was matched with GMTV presenter and newsreader Fiona Phillips and finished in ninth place.

SEASON 4: Brendan was back for season 4 of the show, with Claire King

SEASON 4: It was ninth place yet again for Brendan when he returned to compete on the fourth season of the show, this time with Claire King.

SEASON 5: Brendan teamed up with Kelly Brook for the fifth run of the show, but had to withdrew in week nine due to the death of Kelly’s father.

SEASON 6: Brendan’s dance partner was presenter Lisa Snowdon. They reached the finals but were eliminated in third place.

SEASON 7: Brendan danced with Jo Wood. They were eliminated in week six.

SEASON 8: For the eighth season, American singer Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child, joined Brendan on the show but they were eliminated in the seventh week of competition.

PROS: Nadia Bychkova and Brendan Cole 

SEASON 15: For his final season, Brendan was paired with Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins

SEASON 9: Lulu was Brendan’s partner for this season and they were cut from the competition in week six.

SEASON 10: Brendan was partnered with Olympic track cyclist, Victoria Pendleton. They were eliminated on the eighth week of competition.

SEASON 11: Singer-songwriter Sophie Ellis-Bextor teamed up with Brendan, and they reached the final. However, they were eliminated into fourth place.

SEASON 12: Another Casualty actress joined Brendan on the dance floor this time around – Sunetra Sarker. They were the ninth couple to be eliminated.

SEASON 13: Brendan competed with television presenter Kirsty Gallacher but they were voted out in week six. He then entered the Children in Need special which he won with actress Laura Main. He also took part in the 2015 Christmas Special, where he and season 11’s winner Abbey Clancy,danced a waltz against his season 6 partner Lisa Snowdon.

SEASON 14: Brendan was partnered up with American singer Anastacia. They were placed in the bottom two in week 2, however due to an injury sustained by Anastacia they were unable to do the dance off and were saved in the public vote.  They were eventually eliminated in week 6.

SEASON 15: For his final season, Brendan was paired with Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins. They were eliminated in week 4.