The pair famously clashed during his Strictly Come Dancing journey with Charlotte Hawkins, while viewers claimed the judge “had it in for” the Good Morning Britain host.
During today’s instalment of the ITV news show, host Piers Morgan mocked Ballas for getting Hawkins’ name wrong on Saturday night.
After playing a clip of the mighty blunder, Cole admitted he refused to listen to the Strictly head-honcho to ensure he wouldn’t snap back.
“I told my wife I wasn’t going to speak back after we get criticised, and I told Charlotte and Charlotte’s husband I wouldn’t, so when she said ‘Mollie’ I was looking around like, ‘I’m not listening to this’,” he explained. “I’m going to say something if I don’t like it.”
“And that’s the thing – this series the professionals apparently aren’t allowed to have an opinion on anything, and I find this quite frustrating because I’m a colleague of Shirley.
“She’s not my superior, she’s a judge on the show and I respect that. I love them all. But I’ve realised through the power of social media that people don’t like when you have an opinion on something. I’ve got a very strong opinion [on a lot of topics].”
Cole also addressed rumours that he’s leaving Strictly Come Dancing after 15 years, doing little to suggest otherwise.
“Every year I have this argument with myself in my head,” he admitted. “Do I want to do another series? I love the show – I love being on it, I love the people who take part in it. I said at the time, I’m going to miss this, as in going into the studio with Charlotte.
“I said on air, this is one of the best series I’ve ever had. So am I coming back next year, am I not? That depends if the BBC want me and what I’m doing at the time.”
Hawkins was eliminated from Strictly on Sunday night, and burst into tears the following day on Good Morning Britain.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One Saturday at 6.45pm while Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.
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