Brendan Cole brands Michelle Tsiakkas Strictly Come Dancing axing 'harsh'
Michelle Tsiakkas was axed from Strictly Come Dancing in a 30-minute online Zoom meeting.
Brendan Cole has criticised the "harsh" way Michelle Tsiakkas was axed from Strictly Come Dancing.
The pro dancer, 30, is "heartbroken" over how her three years on the BBC Latin and Ballroom competition ended in a 30-minute online Zoom meeting with an executive producer.
And ex-Strictly pro Brendan, 49, feels sympathy for Michelle as well as Karen Hauer, 43, Gorka Marquez, 35, Nadiya Bychkova and Luba Mushtuk, both 36, who will also not be returning for the 2026 series, which is expected to start in September.
Speaking to Sky Vegas, Brendan - whose last appearance on Strictly Come Dancing was in 2017 after the BBC did not renew his contract, citing an "editorial decision", in January 2018 - acknowledged that "the nature of exits can be brutal".
He added: "Strictly is a machine, and when they’re done, they’re done.
"I wasn’t there, but the way Michelle Tsiakkas was axed from the show does sound harsh. It’s a business decision, but it can feel deeply personal to the person on the receiving end."
Following the departure of co-hosts Tess Daly, 57, and Claudia Winkleman, 54, at the end of the 2025 series in December, numerous stars have been tipped to replace them.
On March 29, The Sun on Sunday newspaper reported that the show's bosses "talked" to comedienne Miranda Hart about continuing Claudia's funny chats with the celebrities and their professional dance partners on the balcony where the couples relax after their performances.
Although they think Miranda, 53, would be a "perfect replacement" for Claudia, Brendan disagrees.
He said: "Miranda Hart wouldn’t be a good Strictly host. She’s wonderful at what she does, but she’s a comic. Strictly doesn’t need a comedic like-for-like. It needs a complete shift - something classy, beautiful, and rooted in traditional showbiz.
"If they’re making a change, make an actual change."
Brendan then suggested: "Bring in a world-class performer. Go international if needed. Get someone who can dance, act, host - someone who embodies the heart of Strictly Come Dancing."
Although he would think about returning to the programme if asked, Brendan does not think he would get a call.
The star said: "If Strictly called asking me to return, I’d consider it. I’d love to be part of the show again in the right role - especially as the presenter.
"But I don’t think my name is currently in the mix, so I’m not waiting by the phone."
