n Brendan Cole admits he has “grown-up”.
By Nicola Moyne
BRENDAN Cole has long been thought of as the ‘bad boy’ of ballroom; the ‘fiery one’ of Strictly Come Dancing. But something seems to have mellowed the 34-year-old of late, and it doesn’t seem to be the foxtrot.
I caught up with the Buckinghamshire-based performer while he was on a country break with ‘the Mrs to be’ recently, and he was relaxed and looking forward to his Live and Unjudged Tour, which comes to Southend next week.
Following sell-out shows in January, Brendan will once again be hitting the road over the next few months bringing us a medley of high energy music, dance and entertainment.
Joined by his brother Scott – also a professional dancer – plus former Strictly pals Nicole Cutler, Andrew Cuerden, Hanna Haarala and Izabela Hanna, Brendan describes the cast as ‘close’, and explains why he’s rearing to get back onto the stage.
“We didn’t really know what to expect with the last tour because it was new,” he tells me. “But it was a great success, and so much fun to do. There was demand for it again, so we thought ‘why not’?”
Why not indeed. Boasting a fantastic 12-piece band, two singers, and routines to every genre of music possible, including classics from Frank Sinatra and Prince, to numbers set to Michael Jackson and Jennfier Lopez, it’s set to be an electric night of dazzling dance and legendary music.
However, not one to shy away from pushing the boundaries, Brendan is giving his audiences more than just fancy footwork.
“I sing a few numbers in the show which is scary but really exciting,” he laughs. “The first time round I was really nervous, I just didn’t know how people were going to react. But I think I’ve proved that I can hold a tune!”
It’s a bold move, but then bold is certainly a word you would associate with the New Zealand-born star. And that, he explains, is all down to dancing.
“I am known for being competitive, and that’s a pretty fair statement. I always have been, and I’ve always been a bit of a fighter. You have to remember that when I started dancing as a young boy it wasn’t exactly cool; I got a lot of stick for it so I learnt to stand up for myself and be more confident.”
And since then Brendan has certainly put his best foot forwards. Catapulted into the Strictly Come Dancing spotlight back in 2004, Brendan has since become the most recognisable professional dancer on the show, largely – it has to be said – as a result of his high profile relationships with celebrities including former dance partner Natasha Kaplinsky and Abi Titmuss.
However, his passion for dance has always been admired by the public, and Brendan – who used to work as a builder – admits that’s the nice side of fame.
“It is good to be known for having a talent, rather than just being a reality star or something like that. There are downsides to being in the public eye sure, you have to know it comes part and parcel with being on TV.” It’s a healthy attitude, and one that clearly shows Brendan is maturing with age.
“I’m 34 now and I have tried to dampen down my temper a bit,” he laughs. “My life was turned upside down by Strictly, but I really enjoy what I do and it opens a lot of doors.”
Indeed, now looking forward to another season of Strictly in September “if they choose me!”, Brendan is obviously in a good place right now and can’t wait to work with his brother again.
“We have a good working relationship. He’s older, but I’m in charge,” he laughs. “We’re really tight with all the cast and it creates a great atmosphere for the show. Plus, Scott brings a new dimension because he’s able to shed a little light on me as a person.”
And that, perhaps, is the real reason why the Brendan Cole – Live And Unjudged Tour is so in demand.
Brendan Cole comes to the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend on 26 May. Visit www.cliffspavilion.co.uk for further details or to book.
n The Enquirer has two pairs of tickets to give away to the event. To win, email your details to admin@theenquirer.co.uk by 24 May.