Brendan Cole
As one of the original professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing, Brendan Cole's career in media and television has grown rapidly since the show's inception back in 2004. Dancer, producer and entertainer. Brendan has delivered eleven nationwide theatre tours of the UK with his dance, music and chat show Brendan Cole - Show Man.
Brendan appeared on every season of Strictly Come Dancing since it began in 2004 up until 2017. His charismatic performances, stunning choreography and audacious exchanges with the Strictly judges all made for outstanding viewing and secured his position as one of the most popular dancers on the show. Brendan partnered some of the most successful celebrity contestants including presenter and actress Kelly Brook, supermodel Rachel Hunter and singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
Now an international phenomenon, Brendan was a member of the judging panel of the New Zealand version of the series (Dancing with the Stars) for four years where his obvious expertise and forthright manner earned him the reputation of “the Simon Cowell of the judges”. Since his Strictly debut, Brendan has appeared on stage in pantomime and on television as a guest in a range of shows, from sport to cookery. Shows include, Pilgrimage: The Road To Rome, Celebrity X factor, SAS: Who Dares Wins and most recently making it to the final two on Dancing on Ice 2022!
Born in 1976 in Christchurch, New Zealand, Brendan was a mischievous six-year old when he first studied ballroom and Latin American dance, fast becoming junior and youth champion, and going on to win international competitions. Travel brought him to London where the vibrant dance scene convinced him to make the capital his base for work, study and teaching dance.
From here he toured worldwide, competing in amateur competitions. Turning professional in 2000, Brendan and his then dance partner Camilla Dallerup became the New Zealand and Asian Open professional champions, reached the semis of The International, United Kingdom Open, British Open and World Championships. Throughout his career he has been involved in choreographing stage shows and various performances for dancers worldwide.
Brendan has also worked with a number of top brands and agencies including, most recently, Barclays, Freixnet and Flora pro:activ on a variety of media, public relations and event activity. Brendan is an energetic event and award ceremony host, drawing on his extensive live stage show experience, effortlessly holding an evening’s event together and fielding questions from an audience.
Brendan lives with his wife Zoe Cole and their daughter Aurélia and son Danté. He puts his success down to four things: Hard work, a little luck, deciding which door to walk through when an opportunity presents itself and creating the opportunities for yourself that you really desire.