Former Strictly professional Brendan Cole has provoked anger after criticising fellow dancer Amy Dowden following her early exit from the BBC show
Insiders accuse Cole of profiting from regular commentary sponsored by betting companies, while questioning the tone of his remarks about Dowden, who has faced serious health challenges
Fellow ex-professional James Jordan has defended Cole while delivering his own sharp verdicts on the programme’s judges and contestants
BBC sources reportedly view the pair as bitter, although both continue to rely on Strictly’s enduring popularity through columns, tours and promotional work.