About Brendan Cole

Brendan's official website: http://brendancole.com/

As a Professional Dancer on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, Brendan Cole has wowed millions of British television viewers in all 8 and soon to be 9 Series of the BBC’s hit TV show. As well as lifting the winners Trophy with Natasha Kaplinsky back in series one, he has partnered many different television personalities throughout the years. In 2008 dancing with Lisa Snowdon, they reached the final and despite receiving perfect scores from the judges (something never previously achieved in the show’s history), failed to improve on third place. Partnering Kelly Brook in 2007, as potential front-runners with the bookies, the pair went from strength to strength throughout the series. Sadly due to the passing of Kelly’s father they chose to withdraw from the competition to allow Kelly to be with her family. Other partners on the show include Destiny’s Child singer Michelle Williams, former model Jo Wood, TV Presenter Fiona Phillips and actresses Claire King and Sarah Manners. In a one off Christmas Special, he also partnered Supermodel Rachel Hunter. www.bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing

January 2010 saw the debut of Brendan’s exciting new Theatre tour, Brendan Cole – Live and Unjudged. Written, directed and staged by Brendan himself, Live and Unjudged has set stages alight across the UK and Ireland. Now, after three successful tours with sell out dates throughout 2010 and 2011, a fourth and final run is scheduled for 2012. Very different from the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour, his intimate show, bursting with all your Strictly dance favourites, is filled with Brendan’s mischievous and cheeky personality throughout. He, along side his dancers and 14-piece band, hosts his guests in a magical evening of chat, music and dance. For your chance to see Brendan Cole’s Live and Unjudged first hand, go to http://brendancole.com/ for theatre and ticket details.

Brendan’s TV career also took him back to his home land of New Zealand to appear on their hit show Dancing With The Stars (New Zealand’s version of Strictly Come Dancing) but this time in a different role as a judge. Sitting along side fellow Strictly star Craig Revel Horwood, Actor and Dancer Paul Mercurio (from the hit movie Strictly Ballroom) and New Zealand Radio Host Alison Leonard, Brendan’s exchanges with Craig and experience as a professional dancer kept the contestants on their toes and the audiences on the edge of their seats. He also demonstrated many Ballroom and Latin American dances throughout the 5 series with show co-host Candy Lane as well as the odd impromptu dance off with show host Jason Gunn.

Now as a personality within the media world, Brendan’s career has developed into other areas aside from dance. His love of singing saw him take part in two television singing shows, the BBC’s Just The Two Of Us singing with Beverley Knight and more recently ITV’s Sing If You Can, raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust www.teenagecancertrust.org

No stranger to travel from his earlier dancing career, in 2007 New Zealand’s award winning travel show Intrepid Journeys gave Brendan his first television hosting role. In a trip to the Island of Vanuatu in the South Pacific, his intrepid voyage would be a very different travel experience to that of his former dancing career. With an insight into the rural way of life, learning the local ways and living off the land, Brendan was followed on his journey documenting his time and sharing his experiences with the nation. To see his episode and more, visit http://tvnz.co.nz (Only available for viewing in New Zealand)

In his latest venture, Brendan’s aim to bring dance to the nation’s School kids is well underway. The Brendan Cole Dance Academy launched in July 2011 and is set to grow next year with plans to expand to over 30 Schools. Part of Activate Sport and in conjunction with The co-operative group, his aim to get kids active and dancing is something Brendan is very passionate about. For information on his exciting new project go to http://www.activatesport.co.uk/enews-2011/en-2011/AS34-Brendan-Cole.html

When it comes to playtime, as well as many other sports, car racing is at the top of the list of Brendan’s new interests. In 2010, he acquired his race licence and has now raced twice at Silverstone in aid of Charity. In his second race he managed a podium finish of 3rd place, growing his passion for this exciting and dangerous sport. If you would like to find out more about the races and the charity involved, please go to www.bobbymoorefund.org