We're still a little bit in shock that Brendan Cole has been axed from Strictly Come Dancing, after 14 years on the show.
And now it's been reported that the reason behind the BBC's decision to drop him from the show is because of an ultimatum delivered by the judges - where it was between them and him, after he 'disrespected' Shirley Ballas.
A source told The Sun: "It was the final nail in his coffin. That was the moment when they decided they'd had enough.
![shirley](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/5a72/cae5/7dce/0b6b/8e6c/a62c/shirley.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
"The judges felt he was putting her down publicly and he thought he knew better than the head judge.
"They thought it was totally disrespectful."
Brendan made the announcement that he'd be leaving himself earlier this week on Lorraine, saying: "This is quite hard to talk about. The BBC haven’t renewed my contract – we get renewed year on year – and they made an editorial decision not to have me back on the show."
"I’m a little bit in shock. I’m quite emotional, a bit raw about it."
![brendan cole](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/5a72/ca9e/7dce/0b6b/8e6c/a624/brendan.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
He continued: "It’s done via a process of a phone call and stuff. I have had 15 incredible series on the show. I’m very proud of the whole show. It’s a great team.
"I’m disappointed. It’s very hard to talk about. It’s a recent decision."
He hinted that his axing may be due to his strong views and character on the show, saying: "I’ve always known this day would come. To get to this point, the BBC make the decisions year upon year. It’s an editorial decision. I’m sure I’ll never know the ins and outs. I’m a very strong character within the show, I have my strong views."