It’s fair to say that Brendan Cole is no shrinking violet.
But now it seems we can add the phrase ‘sour grapes’ to that description of the outspoken Strictly Come Dancing professional.
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That’s because Brendan has spoken out about the hugely popular BBC1 show’s scoring system, suggesting that it may not be a level playing field for any celebrity contestants who haven’t had formal dance training.
Unfortunately, the fact that Brendan’s comments come after he was eliminated alongside Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins, a celebrity with no formal dance training, could give the impression that the 41 year old Kiwi dancer is a little bitter.
“It wouldn’t hurt if there was a handicap system, like in golf,” Brendan said.
He also went on to make sure viewers are aware of Debbie McGee’s dance training, in case they had any doubt.
“It would be good for people who don’t come from a stage school or performance background like Debbie, who has a ballet dance history.”
Thanks for that Brendan.
And while we hate to admit it, it would seem that Strictly’s hot- headed dancer may have a point.
Over half of this year’s celebrity contestants can boast some kind of dance training, and, of those who don’t, Reverend Richard Coles, Simon Rimmer and Charlotte Hawkins have all already been eliminated.
That’s not to say that those without training can’t flourish, and both Ruth Langsford and Susan Calman are two who are still going strong.
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Ruth and her partner Anton du Beke will be dancing the Foxtrot to Mack The Knife by Bobby Darin tonight, while Susan and her partner, Kevin Clifton, will be dancing the Tango to Firework by Katy Perry.
Brendan took aim at them too though, saying that the reason those couples are still in the running is because they’re seen as funny.
“The couples that aren’t as good as the rest are doing great comedy routines,” he said.
Ouch.
Still, Brendan did have some good news for the show’s many fans- he’s quite keen on becoming one of the judges one day!
“I’d be a great judge,” he said. “It would be the logical next step. I can’t dance until I’m 80!”
Well, not unless they change that scoring system anyway Brendan!