Ex-Strictly bad boy Brendan Cole throws diva strop after disastrous Celebrity X Factor audition
HE was the bad boy of ballroom on Strictly, and Brendan Cole’s temper is showing no signs of simmering on Celebrity X Factor.
The Kiwi hothead — who was axed from the BBC1 dance show after 15 series last year having clashed with producers too many times — threw a diva strop after his disastrous singing audition.
Brendan has formed an unlikely boy band with ex-Hollyoaks hunk Jeremy Edwards, but was left furious after having to wait hours to audition for judges in LA.
And when they finally got their moment, the duo’s performance was met with lukewarm comments.
A TV insider said: “Brendan and Jeremy were one of the last to perform for Simon Cowell so had been kept waiting for hours. Their performance didn’t go to plan and one of the execs had to calm Brendan down as he was having one his famous hissy fits.
“Crew were gossiping about him being unhappy with having to wait around all day and night — and he threw his toys out the pram when the performance proved a flop.”
But Brendan is the first to admit he doesn’t have the best voice.
Speaking a few years ago, he said: “I’m not the best singer in the world, I’d never claim to be. But it’s something I love.”
An X Factor source added that Brendan’s sulk didn’t last long, as he joined fellow contestants and crew for a post-performance drink to celebrate their time in LA. It’s yet to be confirmed if he had it served in a baby’s bottle.
READ MORE FROM ANDY HALLS’ BIZARRE TV COLUMN
Get with the pro-gramme
FOR the past 15 years, Strictly’s professional dancers have seen their profiles almost eclipse those of the celebrities who take part.
Now BBC1 is set to exploit their ever-growing fame with a show dedicated to the pros, which will air this September, a week before the live shows start.
A TV insider said: “Previously, there has been a rather awkward two-week gap between the first and second episode. This will keep the momentum going, though the competition has yet to fully kick off.
“The BBC’s attitude is to make the most of the affection for many of the show’s now-famous dancers.
“After all, they make up a massive part of Strictly’s popularity.”
It will focus on the best-known pros as they look back on their time on the programme, picking out their most exciting and amusing moments.
The Beeb hasn’t revealed exactly which figures will be profiled but I’m guessing Anton Du Beke, who has been with the series since the beginning, will feature heavily.
Quite right, too.
SOAP BOX
IN EMMERDALE, Rhona and Pete’s engagement party is far from fairy tale stuff, with the couple acting awkward with one another.
Maybe the reality of marriage is setting in. After all, he’s a bloke with a wandering eye and she’s an intelligent woman who probably doesn’t want to chat about farming for the rest of her life. It seems increasingly likely the marriage will be called off.
Meanwhile, in EASTENDERS, Rainie is desperate now that her spell as a lady of leisure thanks to Jack’s cash is over.
Willing to do anything for money, she puts herself and Abi in a dangerous situation.
Thankfully, Stuart arrives just in time – but it’s doubtful he can persuade her to go back to Walford. Elsewhere, Lola grows concerned as Ben’s behaviour spirals.
Biz Bit
ORIGINAL Brit fashion queen Twiggy is joining RuPaul’s Drag Race UK as a guest judge. Speaking about drag, the Sixties model said: “I love the creativity of the clothes and the make-up. I have been to a few drag shows and they’re brilliant fun.”
‘Z-list’ still in Vogue
SPENCER Matthews clearly hasn’t lost his sense of humour.
The former Made In Chelsea regular, who has also starred on I’m A Celebrity and The Jump, says his E4 show with wife Vogue Williams has put them “right on top of the Z-list”.
MOST READ IN TV
The pair are celebrating landing a second series of Spencer, Vogue And Baby Too.
That forms part of a new line-up of shows on E4 and Channel 4.
They include Feel Good, a new six-part comedy starring Fresh Meat’s Charlotte Ritchie, and the talent hunt New Faces Of E4, aimed to uncover presenting stars of the future.
It’s about time we saw some fresh talent coming up through the ranks.
Must Watch
WHAT? Golf: The Open Championship Highlights 2019: Day One, BBC2, 8pm.
WHY? Reigning champion Francesco Molinari takes to the tee from the first day of the tournament, held at Royal Portrush, Northern Ireland.
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