Brendan Cole unleashes savage verdict on new-look BBC Strictly as former blasts lack of 'class'

Brendan Cole has delivered a scathing verdict on the BBC's new presenting line-up, arguing the show has lost its sense of "class" despite undergoing its biggest overhaul in decades.

The corporation recently confirmed Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe as the new faces of Strictly following the departures of long-serving hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

While BBC bosses have billed the move as the beginning of a new era, the shake-up has divided opinion among the programme's current and former professional dancers.

Speaking ahead of his The Legends in Vegas: After Hours UK tour, original Strictly professional Mr Cole admitted he would have taken the show in a very different direction.

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"Personally, I wouldn't have made it that. I think it needs to be somebody — I think it needed class," he said.

Mr Cole argued that the programme should have recruited a true showbusiness heavyweight in the mould of Sir Bruce Forsyth, who fronted the BBC ballroom competition until 2013.

"I think it needed the Bruce Forsyth of old back at the helm," he said, suggesting long-serving judge Anton Du Beke could also have been a natural choice.

Despite his criticism, Mr Cole was keen to stress that his reservations were aimed at the BBC's strategy rather than the presenters themselves.

"They've gone for Emma, and I think Emma is a great presenter. I rate her very highly, always have, so I think she'll be great," he said.

He also described Mr Widdicombe as "a great comedian" but questioned whether the broadcaster had truly reinvented the show.

"I feel like they've just done like for like," Mr Cole explained, suggesting Ms Willis had effectively replaced Ms Daly while Ms Widdicombe would fill the comedic role previously occupied by Winkleman.

"For me, the jury is out."

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Mr Cole also admitted he was unsure exactly what role Mr Radebe would play.

"I have no idea if he's going to be walking around talking to the couples, if he's going to talk to them backstage, if there's a pre-show thing or a later thing," he said.

His comments echo wider uncertainty within the Strictly family.

According to The Sun, opinion among both current and former professionals is "very mixed", with one insider claiming many believe the programme needed change but that "some of the choices could have been stronger".

The source added that several dancers had hoped the BBC would appoint one internationally recognised entertainment figure rather than splitting the presenting responsibilities between three people.

Mr Cole is not the only former professional to voice reservations.

James Jordan previously said he would have preferred an established Saturday-night television host such as Bradley Walsh or Vernon Kay, although he described Ms Willis as an "amazing" appointment and said he would reserve judgement until the new series begins.

Others have been far more enthusiastic.

Reigning Glitterball champion Dianne Buswell quickly welcomed the announcement, singling out Radebe in a celebratory social media post.

"This is so exciting," she wrote.

"Particularly excited for our fellow pro @johannesradebe babe you are a true star and this role is made for you."

Former professional Nadiya Bychkova also backed the changes, praising Mr Radebe's "warmth" and "authenticity", while Vincent Simone admitted that although he was initially disappointed audiences would no longer see him compete as a professional dancer, he believes the popular South African is well suited to the presenting role.

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