STRICTLY’S Sarah Manners has refused to defend Brendan Cole after he branded her ‘a b***h’ and slammed her looks.
The 48-year-old took to Instagram to break her silence on the current scandal surrounding the BBC dance competition.
Sarah and Brendan placed sixth on the second series of Strictly Come Dancing back in 2004 – which was won by Jill Halfpenny and Darren Bennett.
Speaking to us in November at the time of the competition, Brendan branded the Doctors star a “b****” when reminiscing about their time on the programme.
Sarah took to her social media account today to speak out about the scandal – and backed the show, but she didn’t refer to Brendan in her statement.
Sarah wrote: “I simply wanted to say that I was fully supported by the BBC.
“A producer was in immediate contact with me.
“She came to see me in the training room and stayed in phone contact throughout my time on the show, making sure everything was ok.
“I had a fantastic time on Strictly and I’m proud to have been one of the earliest contestants.”
In the chat with The Sun, Brendan said: “Sarah was a b***h, but I was also a b*****d.
“Natasha let me lead on the dance floor, choose her dress, decide on her hair. That certainly didn’t happen with Sarah. I was used to working with graceful women – Sarah was a ladette.
“To me on the dancefloor — the man is in charge. We were both two strong personalities, and the problem was we were both trying to drive the same car.”
Not only that, he also compared her dance moves to a “brick wall” on the spin-off It Takes Two.
When she found out about the comments, she told The Mirror: “I called him and told him I’d seen him slagging me off – and burst into tears again. I felt I’d let him down but I’m doing more than my best.
“Afterwards he felt terrible and was very, very apologetic. He really wishes he hadn’t said it.
” Actually that is quite sad because he is fantastic. We have the best laugh.
By PR expert, Nick Ede
THE Strictly Glitterball has been tarnished by the revelations about Graziano and Gio and there is no going back for the show.
With other celebrities making their feelings known daily, this is not how the BBC saw their flagship show going into its next season, celebrating its 20th anniversary.
This dark cloud will forever change the show and all eyes will be on the dancers, the celebrities, their relationships and dynamics.
I am sure, with precautions being made, there will be less spark with the stars and this will, too, be a shame as the chemistry is something the audiences love and talk about.
Strictly is a bright star and one of the biggest shows on the planet. Not only does it bring families together, it has an effect that can be felt UK-wide with people up and down the country tuning in to enjoy it.
Also, it’s important not to tarsnish everyone on the show with the same brush.
Most of the professional dancers have had an impeccable record and it’s a shame to bring up past stars, who are no longer on the show, as well as the current stars who put their life and soul into performing each week.
The BBC has a responsibility and duty of care and, with new infrastructures in place, hopefully the brand will get beyond this and continue giving joy to so many millions of people who view it religiously.
“Dancers are very, very passionate and love what they do – and emotions are very high.
“When things are good they are very good and when they are not, that’s heightened as well.”
But that wasn’t the only thing that was said as the dancer also made a comment about her hair.
Previously speaking about the incident, Brendan said: “The make-up team had done her hair as best they know how and she was pleased with it but I didn’t like it. So I said so.
“Just like any woman would, she took it personally and there was a bit of tension but it’s part of my job to style her.
“I certainly don’t set out to make every girl I meet feel bad but I say what I mean. I’m an honest person and I’m not going to pussy foot around.”
Brendan was a professional dancer on Strictly between 2004 and 2017.
Strictly has come under fire in recent months.
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.
Giovanni Pernice quit the show in May following his 2023 partner Amanda Abbington’s complaints.
He denies all allegations.
Last week it was revealed that Graziano Di Prima was sacked after claims he hit, kicked and spat at his celebrity partner from last year Zara McDermott.
GRAZIANO Di Prima has addressed his Strictly Come Dancing sacking with a statement on social media - see the details below.
In a statement shared to his Instagram page Graziano wrote: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.
“Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.”
He continued: “While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.
“I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future.”
He concluded the post: “I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.”
