Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood blasts Brendan Cole and says show is ‘better without him’

CRAIG Revel Horwood has blasted Brendan Cole and says Strictly Come Dancing is "better without him."

The professional dancer revealed he would not be returning to the BBC One dancing show during an interview with Lorraine Kelly back in January.

Brendan, 41, was one of only two remaining original dancers on the show, having taken part since the very first series back in 2004.

His on-air row with new head judge Shirley Ballas was one of the many reasons given for his shock departure, and Craig, 53, had plenty to say about his exit.

Speaking to the at the Bat Out of Hell press night in London, he said: "More fool him.

“The show’s done him wonders. It’s done us all wonders. It’s been fantastic.

“I would never complain about it. It’s given us all platforms on which to stand.

“How many dancers in their life get a job that will last 15 years? Not many. Be grateful.”

Brendan was visibly gutted as he revealed on Lorraine that the BBC has chosen not to renew his contract.

He 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.

“It’s done via a process of a phone call and stuff. I have had 15 incredible series on the show.

"I’m very proud of the whole show. It’s a great team.”

He continued: “I’m disappointed. It’s very hard to talk about. It’s a recent decision.”

Brendan said: “I’ve always known this day would come. To get to this point, the BBC make the decisions year upon year. It’s an editorial decision. I’m sure I’ll never know the ins and outs. I’m a very strong character within the show, I have my strong views.”

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