Strictly Come Dancing bosses struggle to find Brendan Cole replacement due to one major factor
He was axed earlier this year
Last updated 10th Apr 2018
Strictly Come Dancing favourite Brendan Cole was left in shock earlier this year when he discovered his contract hadn't been renewed, despite being on the show since the beginning.
But if new reports are true, it looks like Strictly bosses are struggling to find a replacement for the dancer because of his height.
Brendan, who is 6ft 1in, has been paired up with tall female celebrities in the past, including last year's Charlotte Hawkins. However, it seems bosses are finding it very difficult to find someone with a similar stature.
A source has revealed that most ballroom dancers are shorter than the average man, which is causing a struggle for producers. However, they went on to reveal that they still have a few people in mind and are currently auditioning to find the correct dancer for the show.
It comes after Brendan appeared on Lorraine back in January, revealing he'd been axed from the show after 13 years.
Speaking to Lorraine Kelly whilst holding back his tears, Brendan 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 later added, “I’m disappointed. It’s very hard to talk about. It’s a recent decision."
Watch the interview below:
The Strictly Come Dancing press office later tweeted the news, thanking Brendan for his services on the show. The tweet read, 'We'd like to thank @BrendanCole 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'. sic
In other Strictly Come Dancing news, it was revealed last week that all four of last year's judges will be returning for the 2018 series.
Shirley Ballas will continue her role as head judge, with Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and Darcey Bussell also returning to the show.
With the new series set to return later in the year, rumours have been heating up recently about which celebrities will be taking part.
Bosses are reportedly 'in talks' with Coleen Rooney to appear on the show, with bosses wanting to 'break the bank' to land former Coronation Street actress Michelle Keegan. This Morning presenter Rylan Clark-Neal has expressed interest, with Maya Jama, Piers Morgan and former TOWIE star Joey Essex also rumoured.
This year's celebs will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of previous Strictly Come Dancing winners, including Ore Oduba, Louis Smith, Caroline Flack and last year's winner Joe McFadden.
Now check out some of the most memorable moments from the show below:
1. Ann Widdecombe as Big Bird
