Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Brendan Cole criticised the show’s latest celebrity cast as he reacted to Saturday’s glittering launch episode.
Mr Cole, 50, admitted he struggled to identify many of the contestants, telling viewers: “It’s hard to know them if you’re here [in the UK] because I don’t think there are many recognisable names on the show.”
The dancer, who acknowledged he does not watch much television, went further by questioning whether the series still carries the same excitement it once did.
During his appearance on Good Morning Britain on Monday, he stated: “I don’t think it’s like it was.
BBC Strictly: Brendan Cole in 2011 | GETTY
“I sound like a bitter old pro, I probably am. But it didn’t seem like it had that real, ‘Oh, this is going to be exciting.'”
Presenter Kate Garraway offered a possible explanation for the dancer’s unfamiliarity with the names, suggesting producers may be targeting a “different audience, a younger audience.”
Fellow ex-Strictly professional James Jordan took a more optimistic stance, arguing that household fame is not a prerequisite for success on the programme.
He maintained that viewers typically develop an attachment to contestants as the competition unfolds.
Brendan Cole shared his view that Strictly lacks excitement these days
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ITV
“We grow to love them over the weeks,” Mr Jordan said, before adding: “The show is such a great format. It just works, whoever you have on.”
Mr Cole was not alone on the ITV show’s sofa by several other alumni of the BBC ballroom competition.
Pasha Kovalev, Vincent Simone and Ian Waite all featured in the group discussion, which centred on a single contentious question: does every contestant need to be an instantly recognisable face?
The exchange highlighted a generational divide among former professionals.
Former Strictly pros Brendan Cole, James Jordan, Ian Waite Vincent Simone and Pasha Kovalev talked about the 2026 series
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ITV
This year’s Strictly roster comprises 15 contestants drawn from across entertainment, sport and social media.
EastEnders star Lacey Turner and Australian pop artist Delta Goodrem headline the cast, alongside actresses Melanie Walters, Jaime Winstone, Bethany Antonia and soap actor Lawrence Robb.
Dani Dyer makes a notable return to the competition after being forced to pull out of last year’s series through injury.
She is joined by Love Island’s Cach Mercer, former T4 host Will Best and celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton.
Brendan Cole labelled himself ‘a bitter, old pro’ as he talked about BBC Strictly
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PA
The sporting contingent features Paralympic champion Dame Sarah Storey, ex-Premier League footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips and Team GB athlete Tabby Stoecker.
Dog trainer Graeme Hall and YouTube creator John Nellis round out the full lineup for the new series.