Strictly Come Dancing professionals 'scared to answer back in fear of losing jobs' amid Brendan Cole sacking

Cole, 41, has not had his contract renewed
Axed: Brendan Cole has left the show
Ian West/PA Wire
Natasha Sporn31 January 2018

Strictly Come Dancing professionals are reportedly “scared to answer judges back” in fear of “losing their jobs like Brendan Cole”, it has been claimed.

According to reports, the stars of the hit BBC dancing competition are worried about speaking out against the judges' critiques after their routines as they have become more like 'headmasters'.

A source told MailOnline: “The show is likely to change as other professionals are now scared to answer the judges back, but that's what gave the programme spark.

“The dancers feel the judges have become more like headmasters than judges.”

Scared to speak out: Strictly dancers are reportedly 'fearing the axe'
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

BBC declined to comment when contacted by Evening Standard Online.

It comes just hours after former Strictly judge Arlene Phillips slammed Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli for being “childish” and acting as if they were “in school” following their on-screen spat with Cole.

The New Zealand-born dancer become embroiled in a war of words with the head judge – which Tonioli got involved in – after Ballas criticised Cole’s Tango with Charlotte Hawkins during the latest series.

Brendan Cole - In pictures

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Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Phillips said: “I was shocked – normally if anyone goes it’s in June. I think the show needs conflict, excitement, challenges. He’s always been the outspoken one.

“Anton [du Beke] is as much loved as Brendan. He has always been the bad boy. There’s no doubles,” she added.

Cole, 41, announced his departure from the show in an emotional interview with Lorraine Kelly on Tuesday.

The original Strictly castmember explained: “It’s quite, actually, hard to talk about. The BBC haven’t renewed my contract.

“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.”

His sacking sparked major outrage among Strictly fans and has even prompted a petition for his reinstatement on the show, led by Piers Morgan.

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