Strictly Come Dancing’s AJ Pritchard sad to see Brendan Cole leave the show

Strictly Come Dancing’s AJ Pritchard says he’s sad to see Brendan Cole leave the show.

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

The news was quite the surprise, and fellow pro dancer AJ is sad to see the long time dancer leave.

“For me, it was only my second year and he always helped me understand how everything worked behind the scenes,” said AJ this week. “Especially in my first year, every single week was new for me.”

AJ told OK! Magazine: “I was learning very quickly on the spot and he always let me know what was happening. I was very grateful for that.”

New Zealand born Brendan said 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.”

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

“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.”

Meanwhile, AJ has insisted once and fall out that he and celeb partner Mollie King were only ever friends on the show last year.

Despite persistent rumours of a romance, he explained: “It was always just a laugh. We’re just great friends for life.

“That’s all it was and that’s what it will always been.”

AJ added: “The highlight of working with Mollie was being in the training room. We had such a great laugh,” he divulged.

“It never felt like work, we always had a good time, then going out and performing for all our fans on a Saturday night. It was the best feeling in the world.”

Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One this year.