Brendan Cole Criticizes ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Shoe Decision for Montell Douglas

Strictly Come Dancing professional Brendan Cole has expressed his concerns about the show’s treatment of contestant Montell Douglas, citing issues with footwear that could affect her performance. In recent remarks, Cole highlighted what he considers a significant oversight in the program’s presentation of Douglas, partnered with Johannes Radebe. Despite a challenging start on the dance floor, Montell Douglas and Radebe have successfully progressed to the next round where they will perform a Viennese Waltz.

Cole’s main criticism revolves around the importance of suitable dance shoes in Ballroom and Latin dances, emphasizing how the wrong shoe color can detract from a dancer’s performance. He pointed out, “There’s one major flaw that the show is making with Montell. In Ballroom and Latin dances, especially in these Ballroom dances where they’re very elegant – feet are massively important.”

He further elaborated, “Flaws can be highlighted by something as simple as a shoe, then it can be a big problem. A dark brown shoe stands out on the foot it doesn’t blend into the foot. All I saw were her feet, because she looks like she’s got the wrong colour shoe on, it’s too dark for her skin complexion for me.”

Montell Douglas, a former Team GB sprinter and participant in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, remarks on the unique challenges posed by the show. In conversation with Digital Spy, she noted, “Flexibility and mobility is where I’m going to need a lot of work, as for so long I drilled the opposite, needing to be stiffer for power. My work ethic is stupidly high. I usually train for X amount of hours, and it’s short, power stuff, but this is brain power for a long, sustained time, and it’s also muscular endurance in an aerobic capacity, which aren’t my fortes.”

Johannes Radebe, Montell’s dancing partner, expressed confidence in Douglas’ potential, stating, “I’ve been sent different kinds of people every single year, and this won’t be my first rodeo working with a sports person, but what Montell already has is a plus to me, and that is presence. You have to teach some people how to be present.”

Montell’s adaptation to the show’s rigorous demands, including the transition to high heels, has been a notable challenge. “The hardest thing is not the routine – it’s the shoes,” she said. “It’s doing it in a shoe that wants to break your foot.” Despite the discomfort, she is determined to adapt and embrace her new role.

Johannes, whom Montell describes as a gentleman and close friend, has played a significant role in boosting her confidence on stage. As the duo prepares for their next performance, Montell reflects on the personal growth she has experienced through her participation in the show.

Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, providing audiences with entertainment as celebrities take on dance challenges with professional partners.