Fans are furious about Strictly Come Dancing's decision to axe Brendan Cole

The 41-year-old dancer, who has starred in every run of the BBC1 show to date, made a tearful appearance on ITV’s Lorraine to reveal that he will be absent when the BBC contest returns this autumn, after finding out at the end of last week that bosses had “made an editorial decision not to have me back on the show”.

• Get tickets to the Strictly Come Dancing live tour
• Brendan Cole reveals Strictly Come Dancing have not renewed his contract
• Will Shirley Ballas return for another series of Strictly Come Dancing?

Fans were shocked to hear the news.

And Cole's most recent dance partner, Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins, paid tribute to his time on the series.

https://twitter.com/CharlotteHawkns/status/958269652701995008

The vast majority of Strictly fans were absolutely gutted to hear that the Australian – who won the first series with his celebrity dance partner Natasha Kaplinsky – wouldn't be coming back.

https://twitter.com/CharlesRichmond/status/958268929352269824

It's safe to say that many of the show's most avid viewers are nothing short of furious.

“Outrageous!” wrote Lindsay Dodd on Facebook. “He is a fabulous dancer & brings so much to the show! I was similarly annoyed when they axed James Jordan.”

“He is one of the best things about the show and he stands up for what he believes in,” added Philippa Peate. “Sad to see him looking emotional about being dropped from Strictly on Lorraine just now. This is a huge mistake and this decision must be reversed. The show will go downhill without him!!"

https://twitter.com/suzan1ee/status/958269983489974273

At the time of writing, more than 75% of readers polled said the BBC had made a mistake and should bring Cole back to the series.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BekqklxgUyv/?taken-by=radiotimes

Take a trip down Strictly Come Dancing memory lane on our official Instagram account.