J`e e kfe`Z ]fi 9i\e[Xe

EX-STRICTLY star Brendan Cole has a history of upsetting folk but he now admits he doesn’t believe in repenting for his sins.

The pro dancer famously called TV judge Craig Revel Horwood “an Australian idiot”.

He was accused of being disrespectful to new head judge Shirley Ballas after clashing with her on air.

Over the years he’s had backstage bust-ups with his celebrity dancers which prompted ex-contestant Fiona Phillips to quip: “His former partners have formed a support group.”

But they will all be waiting for a very long time for any apology from the dancer, who was axed from Strictly last year. Brendan claims that – just like Elton John’s famous song – “Sorry really does seem to be the hardest word”.

He said: “I don’t believe in repenting your sins.

“If you have done something you have done something. There is no saying sorry. It’s done.”

Brendan opens up on a forthcoming BBC Two show next month, Pilgrimage, where he follows the pilgrims on the Via Francigena ancient route from Canterbury to Rome with fellow celebrities including Lesley Joseph, Dana, Greg Rutherford, Les Dennis, Stephen K Amos and Mehreen Baig (pictured).

When told how some folk did the 1,000mile trek as penance for their sins, he says: “Penance? I have a very strong view on how it’s a crazy thing to do.

“To do a pilgrimage to Rome is not gonna cleanse my soul.”