Brendan Cole Calls New Strictly Lineup 'Bitter Old Pro'
Brendan Cole, a former Strictly Come Dancing professional, expressed disappointment with the 2026 celebrity lineup, claiming he didn’t recognise many participants and jokingly referred to himself as a bitter old pro. He appeared on Good Morning Britain to discuss the new cast, while other former pr…
By Felo News Desk · Published
On Saturday, the BBC’s flagship dance competition returned to television with a brand‑new trio of hosts, following the departure of long‑time presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the end of last year. The launch episode featured a mix of familiar faces from the UK and overseas, including EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, Australian pop star Delta Goodrem and Love Island alumni Dani Dyer and Cach Mercer. The show’s first live episode, which aired earlier this week, set the stage for a season that promises to be as unpredictable as ever.
Brendan Cole’s Critique of the 2026 Lineup
Former professional dancer Brendan Cole, who appeared on Strictly from 2004 to 2017, took to the morning show Good Morning Britain on Monday, 21 September to voice his scepticism about the new group of celebrities. Cole admitted that he was “not a massive television watcher” and that many of the contestants were unfamiliar to him. “It’s hard to know them if you’re here in the UK because I don’t think there are many, many recognisable names on the show,” he said. He added that the season felt “different” and that the excitement he had expected was missing.
In a self‑deprecating tone, Cole joked that he might sound like a “bitter old pro.” He acknowledged that the show had always been a “juggernaut” but suggested that this year’s cast might be aimed at a younger audience. “I’m not a massive television watcher,” he repeated, implying that his lack of familiarity with the stars was a personal shortcoming rather than a flaw in the programme.
Responses from Other Former Pros
Kate Garraway, one of the new hosts, conceded that the producers may have chosen a younger lineup to appeal to a broader demographic. Former professional James Jordan, who danced on the show from 2006 to 2013, echoed Garraway’s sentiment and defended the format’s resilience. “I think whatever celebrities you have on there, we grow to love them over the week,” Jordan said. He added that even a “nonsense” cast would still work because the show’s structure is inherently entertaining.
Jordan, along with other former pros Pasha Kovalev, Ian Waite and Vincent Simone, joined Cole on the Good Morning Britain sofa to discuss the new era of the competition. While Cole expressed his doubts, the group collectively affirmed that the show’s appeal lies in its blend of dance, drama and celebrity appeal.
Full List of 2026 Celebrity Cast
The season’s roster includes a diverse mix of performers, athletes, actors and social media personalities. Below is the complete lineup:
- Lacey Turner – EastEnders star
- Dani Dyer – Love Island winner and daughter of actor Danny Dyer
- Delta Goodrem – Australian singer
- Chris Appleton – Celebrity hairstylist
- Cach Mercer – Love Island winner and content creator
- Will Best – Presenter
- Dame Sarah Storey – Paralympic cyclist and swimmer
- Jaime Winstone – Actor and daughter of Ray Winstone
- Bethany Antonia – House of the Dragon star
- Shaun Wright‑Phillips – Former footballer and pundit
- Graeme Hall – Dogs Behaving Badly host
- Lawrence Robb – Emmerdale star
- Tabby Stoecker – Skeleton racer
- John Nellis – YouTuber
- Melanie Walters – Gavin and Stacey star
What Happens Next?
The first live show has already set the tone for the season, and the judges’ panel will be tasked with navigating the varied dance styles and personalities of the new cast. As the series progresses, viewers will see how the contestants adapt to the rigorous training regime and whether the new lineup can generate the same level of excitement that past seasons enjoyed.
While Brendan Cole’s comments have sparked debate among fans, the broader consensus remains that Strictly’s format is robust enough to accommodate any group of celebrities. The upcoming weeks will reveal whether the audience’s enthusiasm matches the producers’ expectations.
Key facts
- Brendan Cole criticises 2026 Strictly lineup as unfamiliar
- He jokes about being a "bitter old pro"
- Other pros defend the show’s format
- New hosts aim to attract younger viewers
- Full 2026 cast includes actors, athletes, singers
Why it matters
The reaction of a respected former professional highlights the ongoing debate about celebrity casting in long‑running reality shows and underscores how lineup changes can influence audience engagement.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Brendan Cole say he didn’t recognise many stars?
Cole admitted he is not a heavy television watcher and found many contestants unfamiliar, leading him to question the lineup’s recognisability.
What is the format of Strictly Come Dancing?
The show pairs celebrities with professional dancers in a ballroom competition judged by a panel, with weekly live broadcasts and public voting.
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “Brendan Cole says he's a 'bitter old pro' as he rips into Strictly lineup”
