Strictly Come Dancing star, Craig Revel Horwood, has admitted that he and Brendan Cole were “archenemies” amid a bitter feud. The BBC show’s judge and professional dancer were at each other’s necks continuously throughout the years, with Craig now giving a reason as to why.
Speaking to Radio Times, Craig said: “In my screen test I had to judge footage of two contestants rehearsing. I said, ‘She can hardly walk down the stairs, and the professional has the bowest legs I’ve ever seen’.
“That couple was Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole, and they went on to win it. By the end of that series, it was nail-bitingly exciting.”
He added: “It won the hearts and minds of a nation. As for Brendan, we really were archenemies. He was very mouthy and he’d say, ‘Oh, what would you know?’ So I secretly studied ballroom with Len’s wife Sue, because knowledge is power.”
Brendan appeared on every series of Strictly since it launched in 2004 until 2018 when he was told his contract was not being renewed.
Speaking about Brendan’s departure, at the time, Craig said: “I think it was a good time for Brendan to go. He’s got a fantastic platform and can now build his career. You can’t dance forever.”
However, Brendan didn’t seem quite ready to hang up his dancing shoes. Appearing on ITV’s Lorraine he said: “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.”
Craig has since admitted that he offered an olive branch to Brendan following their fallout but for a very particular reason. He admits his motives behind the reconciliation were not entirely pure.
Speaking to Kate Thornton on her podcast White Wine Question Time, Craig said: “I invited him around two years ago to my house. I hadn’t spoken to him for years. I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice to see Brendan,’ just to see if he’s working…”
Kate laughed: “What a b***h!” Craig continued: “Oh god this is going out to people, isn’t it? Anyway, he had an electric car. He was showing off. We hated each other.”
You can read Craig’s full interview in this week’s Radio Times.
