Piers Morgan has criticised the BBC for axing Brendan Cole from Strictly Come Dancing – and announced plans to launch a campaign to get him back on the show.
Professional dancer Brendan revealed yesterday that his Strictly contract hadn’t been renewed after 15 years with the BBC One programme.
And Piers reckons it’s the wrong decision. So much so, he’s even suggested starting a campaign to get Brendan’s job back.
Speaking on today’s GMB, he said: “I think the BBC has made a massive mistake here.
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“I think they have been very PC about this and decided to get rid of one of the great characters of the show. He does speak his mind and he does have a passion.”
Piers continued: “I think it’s the wrong decision. We need opinionated characters on television who wind people up – or what would happen to me?”
He added: “Why don’t we launch a campaign to get Brendan Cole restored to Strictly?”
“The campaign starts now. Bring back Brendan. Hashtag Bring Back Brendan.”
Piers’ plans received a mixed reaction on social media.
Many fans fully supported a campaign to bring Brendan back, saying Strictly wouldn’t be the same without him.
But others didn’t seem as keen on the idea.
Piers also took the opportunity to wind up GMB co-host Charlotte Hawkins, who was partnered with Brendan on last year’s Strictly.
He asked her: “Charlotte, do you think given you were his last dance partner that somehow you’re to blame?”
She replied: “You have been blaming my dancing!”
Piers responded: “But you were his worst performing dance partner I discovered today. You came 13th and that was the worst of any partner he’s ever had!”
Oh, Piers!
Thankfully, he did then point out he was only joking.
Meanwhile, Piers also threw his name in the hat for any future Strictly judging opportunities (given Brendan had been linked to the panel in the past and is no longer there!)
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“I would love to be a Strictly judge, having been a transatlantic judge,” he said, in reference to his judging stints on both Britain’s Got Talent and America’s Got Talent.
“I am a top world class judge and Strictly, I am available. I’d want 30 times what [head judge Shirley] Ballas is getting but I’m worth it.”
Somehow we doubt Strictly will take him up on that offer…