Strictly Craig says it's a good time for Brendan to go
Earlier this year, Brendan Cole revealed that he won't be returning for the next series of Strictly Come Dancing, and now, Craig Revel Horwood has offered some words of encouragement for the performer.
Speaking to OK! Magazine, the talent judge suggested it's a "good time" for the popular pro to leave, and offered his own career path as evidence of how he can reach new heights.
"I think it was a good time for Brendan to go," Craig commented. "He's got a fantastic platform and can now build his career. You can't dance forever. I left dancing when I was 30 and pursued another career."
When the news of Brendan's departure first broke, there were rumours it was down to friction with Shirley Ballas, after the Strictly head judge gave some negative feedback to his dance partner Charlotte Hawkins.
However, Craig dismissed the suggestion, insisting: "I don't think it was anything to do with Shirley – that's a load of rubbish."
On his shock dismissal, Brendan previously revealed: "It's quite, actually, hard to talk about. The BBC haven't renewed my contract. We get contracted year upon year.
"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. 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."
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One in the autumn.
Read the full story in this week's OK! Magazine – out today.
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