Brendan Cole addresses ‘unfair’ criticism as Strictly pro joins Dancing on Ice

Strictly Come Dancing’s Brendan Cole has addressed the criticism that it is “unfair” the dancing professional has joined Dancing on Ice.

The Strictly pro appeared on Lorraine this morning with partner Vanessa Bauer to discuss their preparation for the upcoming series of the skating show, which airs live from Sunday.

Ranvir Singh, who was sitting in for regular host Lorraine Kelly, quizzed Brendan on his Strictly background.

Brendan said: “There have been quite a few people who have said ‘that’s not fair - he’s a dancer’.

“There are a few dancers in the show, which is great, but it’s where you start and where you finish.”

Strictly’s Brendan Cole has addressed the criticism that it is “unfair” he joined Dancing on Ice (ITV)

Brendan stressed the importance of each competitor's journey on the show for audiences, saying: “If you just plateau it’s not going to be good viewing for anybody, so I’m hoping to improve.”

As the pair prepare to take to the ice for the first week of performances, Brendan said he is “really pleased” with his skating and their routine.

Partner Vanessa said: “We just want to get the best we possibly can get done in week one.

“I’m so grateful to have someone like Brendan who is really dedicated.”

Brendan said he is “really pleased” with his skating and their routine. (ITV)

Lorraine’s host Ranvir went on to ask Brendan about the other Strictly Come Dancing crossover on Dancing on Ice, after Oti Mabuse joined the show.

The new series will include Oti on the judging panel alongside Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean and Ashley Banjo.

Brendan said: “The fact that Oti’s here is amazing. She’s a great friend of mine. She’s going to be an amazing person to have on the panel.”

He added with a cheeky laugh: “I expect a little bit of favouritism.”

Brendan said: “There have been quite a few people who have said ‘that’s not fair - he’s a dancer’. (ITV)

Oti has already shared her thoughts on how she thinks Brendan will do in the competition, savagely joking: “He was always falling on Strictly – and that wasn't even on ice!"

It appears she made reference to the fact he fell for the Strictly curse in 2004, when he left his dancer fiancée Camilla Dallerup for Natasha Kaplinsky.

Oti said: “Brendan was always the one who would get on skates, who would jump over a car or jump off a table, so I think he will take it as an exciting challenge.”

On what sort of judge she will be like on Dancing On Ice, Oti described herself as "strict but honest".

Lorraine airs weekdays at 9am on ITV