Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Brendan Cole has criticised the show's new presenting trio, claiming they lack glamour and looked "sloppy" on the Sunday results show. The 50-year-old dancer, who appeared on the BBC programme from 2004 until 2017, shared his views on Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, who replaced Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman after they stepped down in 2025.
Cole's Glamour Complaint
Speaking to Express.co.uk on behalf of Sky Vegas, Cole said he is "loving" the TV "throuple" but expressed concern about their attire. He commented: "They definitely feel like they're finding their hosting feet... as a throuple! I was always concerned about the throuple, because it felt like there wasn't a clear role for each of them. Emma had her role as the anchor, if you like and I think she's very good. I think they have needed a bit of time to find their feet, and perhaps they're getting there."
He added: "At least Josh [Widdicombe] was wearing a shirt and tie on the Saturday night show but I am still struggling with the more sloppy look in the results show. Craig and Anton were in tuxedos. The show is glamorous, I am missing the glamour from the three. I want the hosts to look like they are the head of the show."
Sarah Storey Elimination Verdict
The former Strictly pro also delivered his verdict after Dame Sarah Storey exited the show on Sunday night. The 48-year-old Paralympian was the third contestant eliminated. Icons Week had returned with the remaining 13 couples performing as various kings and queens of music.
Cole said: "She hasn't been a particularly strong dancer, so she was never really going to be a contender. But she had a nice number to finish on. She looked like she enjoyed it and she got into character, which is half the battle. I hope she had a lovely time on the show, and week four? That's not bad."
He added: "They were the right couple to go in my opinion. At the start of the show, out of 15 couples, there are always going to be four or five that don't really show much promise. The rest have a chance to improve and get themselves somewhere near the end. Sarah was one of those who just didn't have that dance ability in the first place, so her days were pretty much numbered from the start."
Strictly Come Dancing returns Saturday on BBC One at 6.30pm.
