As another series of Strictly Come Dancing hits our screens next week, the show’s most notorious flirt, Brendan Cole, 28, will be stepping out with lads’ mag favourite, Kelly Brook. But despite a history of getting close to his celeb dance students, this year he definitely won’t be mixing business with pleasure. Brendan’s a happy bachelor.
‘I am single and I love it,’ he states. ‘I was in a relationship for a big chunk of my 20s with Camilla (Dallerup), and although I love being with someone, being single isn’t bad. You have fun and no responsibilities. I’m not looking for love, but if someone came along, I wouldn’t say no.’
Despite his reputation with the ladies (his past conquests include Adele Silva, Abi Titmuss, Natasha Kaplinsky and, reportedly, Claire King) Brendan doesn’t see himself as the classic cad. In fact, quite the opposite.
‘I like to be chivalrous,’ he says. ‘Like cooking a meal for my date or opening the door for her. They’re little things, but they go a long way. My mum trained me well, I have good manners.’
But if you are hoping for a chance with Mr Cole, you’ll have to be pretty unique – he’s getting fussier. ‘I’m becoming more picky as I get older. I think you really start to understand what you want and don’t want. When the right person comes along, they blow you away. The next person I date will have to be special.’
Brendan also wants to do the 2.4 kids thing, and naturally, he’d like them to be good on the dance floor…
‘I’d love to settle down and have kids at some point,’ he reveals. ‘With the right lady, I’ll be there for the long haul. I definitely see children in my future, and yes I’d get them into dancing. If I had a boy I’d send him to ballet, because I never did it. It’s good for the posture. There is a bit of a stigma attached to it, and I wouldn’t want him to be called a sissy, but I really think dance instils confidence.’
And, of course, it was dancing that led Brendan to the big love of his life, Camilla. The pair recently got back together professionally for one last spin for the Eurovision Dance Contest, and Brendan credits Strictly… for enabling them to become friends again. ‘We’ve been through so much, and have great chemistry together,’ he says. ‘So doing Eurovision together was special. A lot of people who break up with each other don’t get the opportunity to become friends again. But as we worked on Strictly… it helped reform a relationship and a mutual respect for one another. I’d say we probably wouldn’t have got back to the friends stage if we’d not done the programme. We’re very lucky.’
‘Learning slinky moves helps you pull’ (well, Brendan should know)
‘Dancing is definitely a good way to meet someone,’ says Brendan. ‘It stands a boy in good stead if he has a few moves up his sleeve. And it’s definitely a form of flirtation. A seductive display, rather. It also gives you the opportunity to meet someone you wouldn’t otherwise. Girls love guys who can move. I wouldn’t say it was all in the dancing, but being good at something gives you confidence. And physical things are attractive to watch.’
Brendan’s babes on Brendan…
Camilla Dallerup
‘I have to say splitting from Brendan was the hardest time of my life. But I still have so much affection for him.’
Adele Silva
‘We went on a few dates and, my god, he’s got the most amazing body! I can’t say a bad word about him. People say he’s a womaniser, but he treated me like a princess.’
Abi Titmuss
‘We got chatting and after twirling around the dancefloor we were getting on really well. I’d had quite a lot to drink and, against my better judgment, I invited him back to my flat for a coffee. But he really isn’t my type.’
Is he ready for the new series of Strictly…?
‘At the end of each series, you say, “My god, I’m not doing this again!” There’s so much involved and it takes a lot out of you, but you always find yourself doing another. Walking down those stairs on the first night is very exciting. It’s a big high. I wouldn’t say I ever get nervous, there’s too much to think about, and, of course, you have to look after your girl. If she sees you’re nervous, you haven’t got a chance. And if you screw up, try to fix it fast before anyone notices!’
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