Strictly legend returns to show after shock exit as fans gasp ‘thought that bridge was burned’

STRICTLY Come Dancing fans were shocked to spot a familiar face in the audience - years after they spectacularly quit the series.

On Saturday night's live show, as Tess Daly was talking to the camera, former professional star Brendan Cole was seen beaming in the seats behind her.

Longtime fans were shocked to see his return, particularly as his exit was less than ceremonious – but were delighted to see him.

Talking on X (formerly Twitter), one shared a grab and wrote: "that is Brendan Cole, right? We're not just hallucinating Ghosts of Strictly's Past?"

"Brendan in the audience ???? Bring him back onto the show pleasseee I miss his drama," said another.

A third wrote: "Nice to see OG Strictly Bad Boy Brendan Cole still turns up!"

"Surprised they let him back," noted a fourth, prompting the response: "I know! Truly thought that bridge was burned."

Brendan was a regular face on the series when it began in 2004, becoming a fan favourite and the first ever winner of the glitterball trophy alongside Natasha Kaplinsky.

The New Zealand dancer became known for hitting back against judges' critiques he didn't agree with, at times having on-air arguments with them.

He was also labelled 'difficult to work with' by other members of the team and former partners.

He eventually left the show in 2017, with Good Morning Britain's Charlotte Hawkins being his last partner.

Announcing his exit ahead of the 2018 series, Brendan said that the BBC had "decided not to renew his contract".

He said on Lorraine Kelly's chat show: "They've just made an editorial decision to not have me back on the show.

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, and 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.”

Brendan's behaviour towards to head judge Shirley Ballas was apparently the final straw for Strictly bosses, who had decided enough was enough.

The Sun Online revealed the panel forced bosses to drop the dancer following his on-air spat with the head judge.

A insider told us: "It was the final nail in his coffin. That was the moment when they decided they'd had enough.

"The judges felt he was putting her down publicly and he thought he knew better than the head judge.

"They thought it was totally disrespectful."

Brendan has since appeared as a contestant on Dancing on Ice, winning the series.

He is now on tour with a team of Strictly alumni, joining Ian Waite, Pasha Kovalev, James Jordan and Vincent Simone for Legends Of The Dancefloor.