Brendan Cole jumps ship to Celebrity X Factor as 'two fingers up' to Strictly Come Dancing

Brendan Cole. Photo / Getty Images

Kiwi reality star Brendan Cole is reportedly being lined up to appear on Celebrity X Factor as he turns his talents to singing.

According to the Sun on Sunday, the former Strictly professional dancer, 43, is "excited" about his new career direction - as TV bosses think it will make for great TV.

A source told the publication: "Brendan is a big character and the bosses are sure that he will be a big draw for their audience. For Brendan's part, he's excited about the prospect of a new challenge."

Brendan was dramatically axed from BBC's Strictly in 2018 and his new foray into singing is reportedly a "two fingers up" at the rival channel, according to the publication.

A source told the publication: "It's also not lost on him that appearing on a rival channel in a big prime time slot is a bit of a two fingers up at his old bosses at the BBC."

Brendan was axed from Strictly in February 2018 after 13 years on the show when he announced the emotional news on ITV's Lorraine.

The axe happened as judge Shirley Ballas and the Kiwi dancer were embroiled in a dispute during the 2017 series - with the pair enduring a particularly tense tiff on-air when Shirley criticised his partner Charlotte.

Sticking up for the newsreader, Brendan had blasted Shirley for "under-marking" their routine, and their feud only intensified from then onwards.

Shirley later claimed that the professional dancer, who she used to teach, had "hurt" her feelings, although she insisted she would accept his apology if he came to her.

When asked about being let go on ITV's Lorraine, Brendan said of the decision : "It's hard to talk about. The BBC haven't renewed my contract."

He continued: "They made an editorial decision to not have me back on the show. I'm in shock. I'm quite emotional."

He later admitted: "One of the saddest bits is that it will go on and I won't be a part of it. It's like not being invited to the party... I wasn't ready to hang up the old dancing shoes."