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Strictly Come Dancing judges ‘gave BBC ultimatum to axe Brendan Cole’

Dancer's on-air row with Shirley Ballas was reportedly final straw for the panel

The Strictly Come Dancing judges allegedly ganged up against Brendan Cole after his on-air clash with Shirley Ballas, according to a report.

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Yesterday, pro dancer Brendan confirmed the shock news that he’s been dropped from the BBC’s highest-rating show after fourteen years.

The press have suggested several potential reasons for his exit, from his recent admission that he has “not liked” many of his celebrity partners, to rumours of backstage tension with staff.

Other suggested his on-air row with new head judge Shirley Ballas during the latest series sealed his fate.

Now The Sun claims the judges collectively issued an ultimatum to the BBC following Brendan’s ‘disrespectful’ outburst, telling bosses ‘it’s him or the show’.

The newspaper quotes a ‘source’ as saying: “It was the final nail in his coffin. That was the moment when they decided they’d had enough.

“The judges felt he was putting her down publicly, and he thought he knew better than the head judge. Doing it to Shirley was a step too far.

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“It was after that moment that the judges said, ‘Off with his head. They told bosses it’s him or the show. They had simply had enough.”

Brendan announced his exit on ITV’s Lorraine yesterday, admitting: “I’ve always known this day would come.

“I’m a very strong character, some don’t like that.”

However, fans have stuck up for Brendan, taking to Strictly’s Twitter page to blast the decision to axe him.

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The BBC’s loss could be ITV’s gain, as the commercial broadcaster is reportedly eyeing him for two potential roles.

Chiefs are reportedly considering offering him a judging spot on rival show Dancing On Ice, or a place as a contestant in the next series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

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