Brendan Cole was "very emotional" after being axed from 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
Charlotte Hawkins and Brendan Cole
The 41-year-old dancer's 14-year stint on the BBC show was ended in unceremonious circumstances last month, and Charlotte Hawkins - who was his partner on the 2017 series of the ballroom and Latin contest - thinks his departure is bad for the show.
She told Hello! magazine: "It's a big loss. He was very emotional about it and I really felt for him."
The 'Good Morning Britain' star has overhauled her lifestyle since competing on the show and is now fitter than ever.
She said: "At school I was never the sporty one but I always wanted to be so I want to keep hold of all that adrenaline and those endorphins racing around my body.
"Since 'Strictly' I've been running 5k on the treadmill at least once a week and I've agreed to do a Sport Relief challenge.
"I'm making the most of being on top of my fitness, it's given me so much more energy."
Meanwhile, it was recently claimed Brendan has kept largely quiet about his axing because he is still hopeful show bosses will have a change of heart.
A source said: "Brendan has refused to criticise the BBC publicly over their move to sack him as he's certain that they'll ask him to return to the show as a pro because he's a big personality.
"But behind the scenes Brendan's attitude towards the corporation is different."
Brendan is apparently angered by the behaviour of the producers and is reported to have discussed his frustrations in private.
However, he has remained quiet about the issue in public as he still hopes to make a return to the programme.
The insider added: "He's seething that his contract hasn't been renewed and thinks the producers are running the show into the ground.
"He's trying to give the impression that he's not bitter, but deep down he's spitting feathers. He's slagging the Beeb off to anyone who will listen in private."
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