Shirley Ballas responds to Brendan Cole over 2018 Strictly Come Dancing exit

WALLASEY: Shirley Ballas, known as the “Queen of Latin” and head judge on Strictly Come Dancing, has spoken out about comments made by former professional dancer Brendan Cole regarding his departure from the show in 2018.

Cole, who had been part of Strictly since it began in 2004, was dropped from the programme after being labelled “difficult to work with.” He has suggested that tensions between himself and Ballas may have played a role in his exit.

At the time, Cole said he was shocked by the decision and felt it came without warning. Speaking on ITV’s Lorraine, he described it as an “editorial decision” and admitted he was deeply upset by how his time on the show ended.

Later, Cole pointed to a moment he believed may have damaged his position. During a critique from Ballas about a dance he performed with Charlotte Hawkins, he replied with the phrase “I will, my dear.” He later admitted the comment sounded patronising and said he regretted using those words, even though he disagreed with her criticism.

Cole said he never intended to be rude and explained that the pressure of the competition made him feel exposed, with small mistakes quickly turning into major issues.

In her new book, Best Foot Forward, Ballas tells a different story. She claims Cole had a condescending attitude toward her from the moment she joined the show. She recalls an early exchange in which Cole suggested it was Ballas who should work to impress the professional dancers, not the other way around. According to Ballas, this set the tone for their strained relationship.