Brendan Cole accuses Strictly bosses of 'controlling' pro dancers after Amy Dowden and Shaun Wright-Phillips hit back at him

Cole, 50, claims a growing pool of background dancers leaves partnered pros 'uncertain' and lets bosses avoid any 'mutiny'. Four pros, Neil Jones, Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori and Lethabo Monametsi, have no celebrity partner this series. Cole says he would have quit if told his place was in doubt. But he admits: 'I'm not there and I don't know the reasons.'

Amy Dowden on Cole's jibe about her early exits: 'What do you expect from him?'

Shaun Wright-Phillips insists he has 'never used Dad' Ian Wright to win votes.