Len Goodman says Strictly Come Dancing would be better if they hadn’t sacked Brendan Cole

LEN Goodman has insisted that Strictly Come Dancing would be better if sacked professional Brendan Cole was still on the show.

The former head judge also praised Shirley Ballas after taking over his role on the panel.

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Discussing Brendan's absence while appearing on Lorraine, Len claimed: "I liked the fact that we clashed.

"If you're not careful, the judges come over like bullies that are picking on people that can't defend themselves and the celebrities are a bit nervous and don't want to be in your face.

"I think it's nice when the pro's give you a bit back... Me and Brendan had a few fallouts but we are still chums."

Len confessed: "I think Strictly would've been better with him. He's a good dancer! Good at ballroom and Latin."

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74-year-old Len also described being replaced by Shirley Ballas as "not really odd."

He added: "It's a bit like having a girlfriend and you part, and it's quite amicable and fine, but then suddenly you see the ex girlfriend with another geezer.

"Listen, whatever you do at the time is the right decision... But I must say, I think Shirley has stepped in and done a terrific person."

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Len went on to praise Shirley's time on Strictly so far after she replaced him by taking up the head judge role in 2017.

He told Lorraine: "I must say she didn't try and be me or anything, and it must have been tricky stepping in."

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The new series returned last week to pair up the latest batch of celebrities with their professional dance partners, but Brendan has not returned.

The 42-year-old announced earlier this year that he had not been asked to return to the show for the 2018 series by bosses, despite being on the programme since it began in 2004.

Brendan previously told Lorraine: “I’m disappointed. It’s very hard to talk about. It’s a recent decision.”

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