Brendan Cole reportedly ‘banned’ from Strictly Come Dancing set

Strictly Come Dancing’s Brendan Cole has reportedly been ‘banned’ from the set this year.

Brendan had been a pro dancer on the show for the past 14 years but announced his exit on ITV’s Lorraine earlier in 2018.

Brendan revealed back in January that the BBC had decided not to renew his contract.

“They’ve made an editorial decision not to have me back on the show,” he said. “I’m in shock. I got a phone call. I’ve had 15 incredible series. I’ve never been contracted for more than one year. I still wanted to be part of it. My passion is still very much there.”

Brendan admitted: “I’m disappointed. I’ve always known this day would come. I’m a very strong character, some don’t like that.”

According to The Sun newspaper, Brendan has been ‘banned’ from this year’s audience.

“Execs know a number of the dancers are still friendly with Brendan so have issued a firm ‘no’ on anyone having ideas that he will come down to the studios on their friends and family lists,” a source alleged.

They claimed: “They don’t want any awkward moments and want the professionals to focus on giving the best they can to the show rather than being distracted by people from the past.”

However a Strictly spokesperson told DigitalSpy: “Brendan is part of the Strictly family, and no-one has ever said he can’t be at rehearsals.”

Alongside Brendan Chloe Hewitt who joined in 2016 will also be leaving this series.

The BBC said: “The Strictly team would like to thank both of them for their considerable contribution to the show and wish them all the very best for the future.”

Following the exits, the BBC have announced a trio of new professionals.

The three new world-class dancers joining the show are Italian Latin Champion Graziano Di Prima, Professional South African Latin Champion Johannes Radebe and four-time winner of the Italian Dance Championship Luba Mushtuk.

All three dancers will join Strictly Come Dancing when the show returns next month bringing the total number of professional dancers to eighteen, for what the BBC says will be the “the biggest and most hotly anticipated series to date.”

Strictly Come Dancing will air on BBC One from September.