BRENDAN Cole's close relationship with the new Dancing on Ice judge Oti Mabuse risks sparking "fix" fears. The former Strictly dancer gushed about his "great friend" Oti who has replaced judge John Barrowman who was axed following claims of inappropriate behaviour.
Oti worked with Brendan on Strictly Come Dancing for two years before bosses refused to renew his contract. Despite once sharing the dancefloor with him in the Strictly group dances, Oti will now be forced to judge her close pal when he makes his debut on the ice.
Brendan also has the upper hand of having been dancing since 1996. But Oti will be ensuring she's solely focussed on judging his skating efforts - just like her sister Motsi does with her on the Strictly panel.
Ahead of Sunday's launch show, Brendan said: "I think Oti is going to be absolutely phenomenal. "She's an incredible person on and off the dance floor.
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