Why Brendan Cole has been banned from the 'Strictly Come Dancing' set

Axed Strictly Come Dancing star Brendan Cole has reportedly been banned from visiting the set or attending any of this year's live shows.

A source told The Sun that due to many of this year's professional dancers being good friends with Brendan, bosses have prohibited him from appearing on any friends or family guests lists.

The Kiwi dancer revealed in January that he had been axed from Strictly after 14 years on the show, as sources said producers had finally had enough of his behaviour on the show.

The insider said: "Execs know a number of the dancers are still friendly with Brendan so have issued a firm 'no' on anyone having ideas that he will come down to the studios on their friends and family lists.

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"They don't want any awkward moments and want the professionals to focus on giving the best they can to the show rather than being distracted by people from the past.

"They don't want to fuel talk he'll come back as that's definitely not going to happen."

Despite the reports, a representative for Strictly told MailOnline: "Brendan is part of the Strictly family, and no one has ever said he can't be at rehearsals". MailOnline has contacted representatives for Brendan for comment.

The reports came as this years Strictly Come Dancing pros begin rehearsals for the upcoming 16th series, which is set to kick off this September.

Brendan was noticeably absent from a snap featuring all of this year's dancers back together in the studio.

However he did take to Instagram to post a video from his poolside getaway in Mallorca to wish "all the best."

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He said: "This is a message to all of my Strictly friends who are back in the studio today, today is day one of season 16. Guys, wishing you all the very best for the brand new season.'

Brendan revealed back in January that he had been axed from Strictly Come Dancing after 15 series on the show, admitting he had been kept in the dark on why producers decided not to renew his contract.

He said: "This is hard to talk about. The BBC haven't renewed my contract. They have made an editorial decision not to have me back on the show. I have had 15 incredible series on the show, they are a great team.

"I am very disappointed. It's an editorial decision. I will never know the ins and outs."

The BBC told MailOnline at the time: "We'd like to thank Brendan for being part of the show since the beginning - winner of the first series - and for the contribution he has made to its success. We wish him all the very best for the future."

However sources also told MailOnline:"The judges did not want him back. The rows he had in the last series with judges Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli were the last straw.

"Brendan was stubborn and did not back down, which created an atmosphere backstage at the last series.

"The producers believe no one is bigger than the show. Not one judge has reached out to him which says a lot. He was not popular. His time was up and it seemed like Brendan was the last to know."

This article was first published on dailymail.co.uk and is reproduced here with permission.