Brendan Cole Sparks Outrage with Comments on Amy Dowden and 'Strictly'

Former 'Strictly Come Dancing' professional Brendan Cole has drawn criticism and anger from show insiders for his recent comments about the BBC program and one of its contestants, Amy Dowden.

Sources close to the production have expressed outrage over remarks attributed to Cole, particularly those concerning Dowden, a professional dancer on the show who has been open about her health struggles, including Crohn's disease and a recent battle with Stage 3 breast cancer. Insiders report that Cole stated Dowden "hasn’t been up to the challenge" of training a contestant. This statement has been described as "absolutely sick" by those privy to the show's internal reactions.

Brendan Cole, who was a professional dancer on 'Strictly Come Dancing' for 14 years, has a reputation for his blunt and sometimes acerbic critiques. His tenure on the show was marked by his direct approach to evaluating celebrity partners.

Amy Dowden and her celebrity partner, hairstylist Chris Appleton, were reportedly the first couple eliminated from the competition. The timing of Cole's reported comments has been seen as particularly insensitive given Dowden's ongoing health challenges.

This controversy emerges as other former 'Strictly' professionals, such as Ola Jordan and James Jordan, have also voiced opinions on the show's direction. Ola Jordan has reportedly secured a new deal with the show, while James Jordan, who left the program over a decade ago, has been described by some as a "has been" and has called for significant changes, including to the judging panel. Vincent Simone, another former dancer, suggested that Emma Willis should receive more screen time, with other contestants providing her support.

The internal reaction to Cole's comments highlights the sensitive nature of discussions surrounding the show, its participants, and their personal circumstances.