Former Strictly pro warns two couples at risk this week as he names 'strongest' stars

Former star has shared his thoughts on the competition at the moment, including who he suspects will be at risk of leaving next.

The professional dancer, 48 - who appeared on the show from 2004 to 2017 - spoke to about the remaining contestants on the latest series, which launched last month. His comments come after football pundit and his dance partner became of the contest last week.

Asked who he thinks is in trouble next, Brendan named member and his dance partner , who won the latest dance-off, as potentially being in danger of leaving later this week. He said: "Probably JB [and Amy], unless they up their game with the choreography."

He also mentioned former field hockey player and her dance partner . Continuing his assessment, Brendan said: "And possibly Sam [and Nikita]. I really like watching them, though. I like what they're doing."

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Further sharing his thoughts, Brendan suggested that doctor , who is partnered with , had struggled earlier in the contest. He said: "Two weeks ago, when [Punam] did the Bollywood dance - it was fantastic, it was a great spectacle. [She struggled prior]."

The former pro said that finalist and ' are the "strongest" dancers in the competition at the moment. He added that comedian is "doing a great job".

Brendan said: "Tasha and Jamie are leading it for me - they are the two strongest dancers. Chris is doing a great job - that waltz was really pretty, very heartfelt and having the Liverpool connection made it a really powerful piece."

He continued: "The waltz wasn't the best the show has ever seen, it lacked certain fundamentals of a waltz, but he danced it very well [and showed] good technique. It was a lovely sentiment. They are the three front runners for me."

During the discussion, Brendan was also asked what the contestants need to do to avoid being in the dance-off. He said: "There are [technical] things lacking [from some of the celebrities], but it's more about capturing the imagination of the voting audience. People aren't going to vote for you if they're not engaged in it. You get a few votes from people that just love you no matter what you do, but you've got to capture the emotion."

He added: "Jamie's pasodoble was fantastic to watch. It was strong, it was passionate, it was powerful. The technique was good, the choreography was great. You put all those elements together, and people are like, 'Wow! Give me a piece of that'. [Punam and Gorka's number] was a pretty dance - I loved watching it as a spectacle - that's probably what saved them from the dance off."

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