Strictly Come Dancing will miss Brendan Cole, says It Takes Two’s Zoe Ball

Zoe Ball says Strictly Come Dancing will miss Brendan Cole.

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

Speaking out about the news yesterday, host of Strictly’s spin-off It Takes Two Zoe said: “It feels like the end of an era. The man is a legend.

“He has made us laugh, I’ve loved watching him. I know it’s going to be very strange without him.”

Praising Brendan and his choreography, Zoe told BBC Breakfast: “I was so jealous of them actually when they [Brendan & Charlotte Hawkins] did that dance [the Jive].

“And his dance with Sophie Ellis-Bextor when they did the Charleston, it’s still one of my favourite ever.

“He is an amazing boy so I look forward to seeing what he’ll do next and it will be very strange, we will miss him.”

Last week Brendan announced 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.”

The BBC said in a statement: “We’d like to thank Brendan Cole 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.”

According to The Sun, dancer Marius Iepure is being lined up to take over from Brendan on Strictly.

He’s the husband of current pro performer Oti Mabuse.

A source told the paper: “Marius was involved in Strictly last year as a backing dancer and has proved very popular with both the other dancers and production staff alike.”

Strictly will air its new series in the autumn on BBC One.