Brendan Cole has announced he is leaving Strictly Come Dancing after 14 years with the show.
He is one of the only two remaining original professionals, along with Anton Du Beke, and has been part of the show since 2004.
Mr Cole claimed in an emotional interview that he is to leave because the BBC has not renewed his contract.
The New Zealand-born dancer appeared close to tears as he told ITV's Lorraine: "This is quite hard to talk about. The BBC haven’t renewed my contract – we get renewed year on year – and they made an editorial decision not to have me back on the show."
"I’m a little bit in shock. I’m quite emotional, a bit raw about it."
He explained he found out via a phone call, and said: "It’s done via a process of a phone call and stuff. I have had 15 incredible series on the show. I’m very proud of the whole show. It’s a great team.
Furious Strictly producers 'sacked fiery Brendan Cole after 13 years and 15 series on the show for creating negative press and for his on-air outbursts,' saying that 'no one is bigger than the show', sources told MailOnline today.
The professional dancer, 41, broke down in tears on ITV's Lorraine as he revealed he has been axed - and a source told MailOnline: 'Producers were said to be furious over his recent interview, in which he criticised his celebrity partners.
'They’ve always tolerated his rows with the judges as it creates drama and acceptable headlines but this was a step too far.'
Another source said: 'The producers believe no one is bigger than the show.'
Scroll down for video
'I want to still be there': Emotional Brendan Cole broke down in tears as he told Lorraine on Tuesday he has been SACKED from Strictly Come Dancing after 13 years on the show
'They’ve been struggling to recruit celebs in recent years and the producers thought this interview was a step too far in terms of negative press for the show, made it more difficult to recruit celebrities and was may have been a factor in the decision to not renew his contract.'
Brendan previously said about his celebrity partners in the interview with The Sun: 'I don’t have a say in who I am partnered with. I don’t think you would do it if you knew who some of them were.
'Can I say that? I’m going to get fired, aren’t I?'
He also said: 'I have not liked a few of them. It is more than 50 per cent of them I have liked. When you meet people and work with them you don’t necessarily like all of them.'
He said: 'They have made an editorial decision not to have me back on the show.' - pictured with Charlotte Hawkins. The news comes amid claims that Brendan slated his celebrity partners and created negative publicity
The emotional star, who famously rowed with new head judge, Shirley Ballas, during the last series, as well as Bruno Tonioli, talked about his shock sacking on rival channel, ITV, and said: 'This is hard to talk about. The BBC haven’t renewed my contract.'
He added: 'They have made an editorial decision not to have me back on the show. I have had 15 incredible series on the show, they are a great team.
'I am very disappointed. It’s an editorial decision. I will never know the ins and outs.'
He continued: 'I am very disappointed. It’s an editorial decision. I will never know the ins and outs'
He told Lorraine: 'I have strong views, I’m a character on the show. I have always said as long as I’ve got a passion for it, I want to be there. I want to still be there'
Meanwhile, a second source told MailOnline: 'The judges did not want him back.
'The rows he had in the last series with judges Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli were the last straw.
'Brendan was stubborn and did not back down, which created an atmosphere backstage at the last series.
'The producers believe no one is bigger than the show. Not one judge has reached out to him which says a lot. He was not popular. His time was up and it seemed like Brendan was the last to know.'
The BBC told MailOnline on Tuesday: 'We’d like to thank Brendan 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.'
MailOnline has reached out to Brendan's representative.
Brendan, who was partnered with GMB host Charlotte Hawkins on the last series, implied that his strong opinions may have had something to do with him losing his position on the show.
He famously locked horns with new head judge Shirley Ballas when he took her to task over her criticism of his and Charlotte's tango, to Danger Zone by Top Gun.
Len Goodman's replacement said of the routine: 'It’s definitely a little bit better…' to which Brendan remarked: 'A little bit?'
Shirley retorted: 'Yeah definitely just a little bit Brendan, unfortunately. We've established that there is no rise and fall in tango, you have to make a concrete decision not to use rise and fall.'
Brendan, who had also been tipped for the role of head judge after Len's departure, snapped back: 'I'm really sorry but there was no rise and fall in that.'
All over: Brendan and Charlotte (pictured) were eliminated in week four - in stark contrast to his series debut in 2004 in which he and Natasha Kaplinsky won the show
He said: 'I will miss being a Strictly dancer. It’s very odd to say this out loud. It’s still very raw'
Shirley said: 'You should play it back, Brendan, because there is,' while he added: 'I will my dear, I will.'
But then fellow judge Bruno Tonioli stepped in to agree with Shirley, adding to the tension.
'I'm not an expert, I've only done about 500 shows but I think Shirley's right, you should be more respectful,' he chided.
Pledging his respect to her, Brendan explained: 'I do respect her but I just don't agree'.
Brendan Cole continued to court controversy when he blasting Bruno for 'lowering the tone' of Strictly Come Dancing for his racy comments.
Is this the reason? Brendan famously clashed with new head judge Shirley Ballas during the last series after she criticised his tango with Charlotte
He slammed the judge for suggesting Davood Ghadami and Nadiya Bychkova looked as though they were 'ready to race to the bedroom' following their steamy Samba dance.
Speaking in his Best magazine column, Brendan wrote: 'I didn't approve of Bruno's comment to Davood and Nadiya the other week.
'If it was said about two single people, like Mollie and AJ, then maybe it would have been OK - but both Davood and Nadiya have partners and children.
'Strictly's also a family show - imagine your kid asking you what 'race to the bedroom' means?' he added.
Rumours were rife that Brendan was refusing to talk to Shirley backstage. The dancer also told Metro he doesn't believe in keeping quiet in those circumstances.
He said: ‘I was doing my job, I expected a little bit of positivity and I was fairly disappointed,’ he explained. ‘How the judges do their job is down to them and it’s not down to me to decide but I can certainly give my opinion if I don’t agree with it.’
He continued with this theme during his interview with Lorraine, although he didn't mention Shirley, saying:
'I have strong views, I’m a character on the show. I have always said as long as I’ve got a passion for it, I want to be there. I want to still be there.'
'I will miss being a Strictly dancer. It’s very odd to say this out loud. It’s still very raw.'
He also told Lorraine back in November that he was the cause of his own problems.
He said: 'I tend to be a bit more argumentative than the other pros. I’ll tell you a little secret, the pros, they’ll get in the changing room and they’ll be [talking away].
Something to say: While James Jordan slammed the decision, Charlotte Hawkins paid tribute to the star
'I unfortunately can’t control myself enough to do it in the changing room, I have to do it live on-air.
'It’s frustrating because I’m not a horrible person. I’m a very nice person – my wife will tell you! And my mum!'
A month earlier, Brendan released a furious rant on Twitter when the judges, including Bruno Tonioli, criticised Charlotte's cha cha.
He said in a series of posts: 'I have a lot to say about last Saturday… here goes…
'It was definitely a tough night at the office & maybe the scores were just! What I object to is belittling [sic] someone who has worked hard and is clearly upset at the situation. I have no time for negativity when someone is down!
Why did Brendan Cole get sacked from Strictly? 'Producers were said to be furious over his recent Sun interview, in which he criticised his celebrity partners. He said: 'I have not liked a few of them. It is more than 50 per cent of them I have liked. When you meet people and work with them you don’t necessarily like all of them.' Adding: 'Can I say that? I’m going to get fired, aren’t I?' In October, Brendan took to Twitter to hit back at the judges who criticised his cha cha. He said: What I object to is belittling someone who has worked hard and is clearly upset at the situation. I have no time for negativity when someone is down!' A month later, he hit back at head judge Shirley Ballas live on air for criticising his tango with Charlotte Hawkins. He said: ‘I was doing my job, I expected a little bit of positivity and I was fairly disappointed.' Brendan was rumoured to be refusing to speak to Shirley backstage. But then fellow judge Bruno Tonioli stepped in to agree with Shirley, adding to the tension. 'I'm not an expert, I've only done about 500 shows but I think Shirley's right, you should be more respectful,' he chided. Pledging his respect to her, Brendan explained: 'I do respect her but I just don't agree'. Brendan continued to court controversy when he blasting Bruno for 'lowering the tone' of Strictly Come Dancing for his racy comments. He slammed the judge for suggesting Davood Ghadami and Nadiya Bychkova looked as though they were 'ready to race to the bedroom' following their steamy Samba dance. Speaking in his Best magazine column, Brendan wrote: 'I didn't approve of Bruno's comment to Davood and Nadiya. He told Lorraine in another interview that month: ' I unfortunately can’t control myself enough to [say my feelings] in the changing room, I have to do it live on-air. 'It’s frustrating because I’m not a horrible person. I’m a very nice person – my wife will tell you! And my mum!' Brendan and Charlotte were eliminated from the show in week four
'It was obvious that things hadn’t gone to plan and at that time you can be honest but constructively positive!
'This can be humiliating at the best of times and laughing at another's misfortune is disgusting and although Strictly is just an entertainment show, we invest time and emotion into it and therefore it matters to us who take part.'
Fellow former Strictly professional James Jordan took to Twitter to slam the BBC's decision.
He said: 'Just seen my mate @BrendanCole has not been asked back on Strictly. Seems like they don’t want anyone on the show that has an opinion.
'Especially when he played a massive part in making the show what it is today. Wishing him all the best in his future endeavours. Will be missed.'
Charlotte Hawkins also had something to say.
She said: 'Sad news from my dance partner @BrendanCole this morning that he won’t be a part of @bbcstrictlyanymore.
'What an end of an era - he’s been such an integral part of the show since it started 15 series ago. It won’t be the same without him.'
In 2010, Brendan married model Zoe Hobbs, who is expecting their second child in around a month's time. The pair are already proud parents to daughter Aurelia.
But remaining positive, he said: 'It’s going to open up many opportunities. I have had to pass up other things, but I am very sad to leave and not be asked back.
'Now I’m available for weddings, funerals and bar mitzvahs.
'It’s the BBC's decision and they have a vision of the show, and I am not part of that vision. I would have preferred to make that decision. I haven’t made a noise on the show the last five years I suppose.
Not impressed: Viewers took to Twitter in their droves over the decision with many saying they didn't agree with the BBC's decision
'It’s one of those things where you go – when shall I leave? But every year I realise how much I love the show.'
Brendan then started to break down as he said: 'To feel I’m not going to be part of it anymore is… It’s changed our lives dramatically.
'I think about everyone there, and I think bl**dy hell, I’m not going to be part of that team, and they are still going to be there.
'I will still watch, I’m a big fan, I don’t like the decision though.'
Brendan found out his fate last week but has kept the heartbreaking news to himself until today when he told his fellow professionals that he won't be returning this year.
He said: 'No one will argue with the judges – I don’t know who I’m going to hand the baton to. I only told the other pros ten minutes ago. I’m nervous about the future.
'Since I found out last week I have been on the tour, and it has affected my performance.'
Shock: His rumoured affair with Strictly contestant and newsreader, Natasha Kaplinsky gave way to the dawn of the Strictly Curse in 2004 - pictured together that year
Fuming: At the time, the dancer was engaged to fellow pro Camilla Dallerup as he waltzed his way to victory in the debut series of the show, but they split after eight years together
Brendan's fans speculated that he could be leaving the show as far back as November, after he reflected on his time on the show in an emotional look-back video.
The BBC declined to comment to MailOnline on this at the time.
The New Zealand dancer said that his time on the show was 'euphoric' as he recalled some of his favourite partners from the 15 series he had been involved in.
Sad: Social media was awash with more comments from disgruntled viewers
He said: '15 series of Strictly Come Dancing, it's been euphoric, it's been tough, it is my life and I'm very, very proud to have been a part of every single second of it.'
Fans at the time, took to Twitter in panic over the segment, saying that it felt like a 'goodbye video', after Brendan had previously hinted he may not return next series.
One fan wrote: 'Brendan still talking as if this is his last series?'
Another added: 'Sounds like a goodbye speech, Brendan!'
A third emotionally tweeted: 'That sounded like a goodbye to me. We want another 15 years!'
Making a scene: Last year, it was reported that Brendan has been playfully ridiculed by his fellow co-stars for his flirting with new dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova, 29
His amour: In 2010, Brendan married model Zoe Hobbs, who is expecting their second child in around a month's time. The pair are already proud parents to daughter, Aurelia
Troubled: Brendan was pictured looking a little lost and pensive when he left the studio after his emotional interview
Doing his best: He tried to put on a brave face after his interview with Lorraine in which he told his side of things
Smile: His spirits seemed to have lifted a little as he got into his car and waved off a pal
Brendan became a household name just as much for his colourful love life, than his dance routines, before he married Zoe.
His rumoured affair with Strictly contestant and newsreader, Natasha Kaplinsky gave way to the dawn of the Strictly Curse in 2004.
At the time, the dancer was engaged to fellow pro Camilla Dallerup as he waltzed his way to victory in the debut series of the show.
Brendan split with her after eight-years as a direct result of the rumours.
And last year, it was reported that Brendan has been playfully ridiculed by his fellow co-stars for his flirting with new dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova, 29.
Strictly Come Dancing BBC drops Brendan Cole from Strictly Come Dancing Professional dancer joined show at launch in 2004, but has sparred with judges Brendan Cole and Charlotte Hawkins during a live show of Strictly Come Dancing in October 2017. Photograph: Guy Levy/BBC/PA
The professional dancer Brendan Cole has announced that he has been dropped by the BBC from Strictly Come Dancing.
Cole, who joined the show when it launched in 2004, said he was not part of the vision for the future of the BBC One show and expressed his shock at the decision.
“It’s an editorial decision. I’ll never know the ins and outs,” he said. “I’m a very strong character within the show. I have my strong views. Some do [like it], some don’t.”
The dancer sparred with Strictly judges over the years and clashed with the new head judge, Shirley Ballas, in the most recent series.
A spokesman for Strictly thanked Cole for “being part of the show since the beginning” and contributing to its success.
Alexandra's jive to judge Shirley: the best bits of Strictly Come Dancing 2017 Read more
Cole, 41, won the first series of the contest with the newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky.
On Tuesday, he told the ITV Show Lorraine: “It’s hard to talk about. The BBC haven’t renewed my contract. They made an editorial decision to not have me back on the show. I’m in shock. I’m quite emotional.”
The New Zealand-born dancer, who is on tour with his musical show All Night Long and awaiting the birth of his second child with the model Zoe Hobbs, said he had not been able make “much of a noise” on the show in the past five years because his partners had not had a lot of dance experience.
He and Anton Du Beke were the only professional dancers from Strictly’s inception to remain on the show. He said he had enjoyed “15 incredible series” but was “very sad to leave, to not be asked back”.
Cole did not mention the judges, but said of the dancers: “I’ll miss my gang, the pros on the show, they’re a phenomenal bunch. I love them to bits.
“They have a vision for the show and I’m not part of that vision. I would have preferred to have made the decision myself, but maybe I would never have made it.”
Last year, the Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli took Cole to task and told him he should be more respectful to Ballas. Ballas and Cole had a prickly exchange following Cole’s tango with Charlotte Hawkins.
He joked: “Nobody will argue with the judges – I don’t know who I’m going to hand the baton to.”
Fans of the show expressed their disappointment on social media, and Hawkins paid tribute to Cole’s time on the series.
Charlotte Hawkins (@CharlotteHawkns) Sad news from my dance partner @BrendanCole this morning that he won’t be a part of @bbcstrictly anymore. What an end of an era - he’s been such an integral part of the show since it started 15 series ago. It won’t be the same without him 😔😔
A BBC spokesman said: “We’d like to thank Brendan 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.”
The professional dancer confirmed that the BBC would not be renewing his contract for the show and he is “disappointed” by the decision. Following the announcement, bookmakers have slashed the odds on the 41-year-old becoming a judge on the beloved dancing competition. Brendan is 3-1 with Coral to be on the judging panel in 2018 after his contract as a dancer was not renewed. “It may be the end of the road for his dancing career on Strictly, however, the betting suggests Brendan could move across to the judging panel for the new series later this year,” Coral’s John Hill commented.
ITV Brendan Cole: The professional dancer will not be returning to the BBC series
GETTY Brendan Cole: The 41-year-old has been axed from the BBC series
I would have preferred to have made the decision myself Brendan Cole
Speaking in an emotional interview on Lorraine today, Brendan said the decision was “editorial”. “We get contracted year upon year,” he explained. “They’ve made an editorial decision to not have me back on the show. “I’m a little bit in shock. I’m quite emotional, a bit raw about it… I’m disappointed. It’s very hard to talk about. it’s a recent decision.” Brendan went on to add: “It’s their [the BBC’s] decision, the powers that be within the BBC, they’ll have a vision of the show and I’m not part of the vision, that’s OK. Listen, I accept, you’ve got to accept what decisions are made.
Strictly's Charlotte Hawkins and Brendan Cole get cosy together Thu, September 21, 2017 Charlotte Hawkins and Brendan Cole have been seen together at rehearsals for the new series of 'Strictly Come Dancing' Play slideshow 1 of 22
“I would have preferred to have made the decision myself, but maybe I would never have made it because I love being on the show. “The last five years I haven’t really made much of a noise on the show with my partners, they haven’t been able to do what I’ve wanted to do. No disrespect to them. I haven’t had one of the ones that had a bit of dance experience that you can really challenge. “So it’s one of those things where you go, I’ve asked this question many times of myself, ‘When do I leave?’” “Every year, I’ve gone, ‘I love the show too much’. I love the fact that I’ve been there from the start. I feel like I’ve made a massive difference to the show and to the show that it is today,” he concluded.
GETTY Brendan Cole: The dancer said he would preferred to have made the decision himself
BBC Brendan Cole: He most recently performed with Charlotte Hawkins
