Victoria Pendleton urges 'Strictly' partner Brendan Cole to be 'tougher'

Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton has called on her Strictly Come Dancing partner Brendan Cole to be "tougher" on her during their preparations.

The 32-year-old, who was left in tears after her first dance on the BBC One show on Friday evening, has claimed that Cole is too soft compared to previous cycling coaches.

"I come from a professional sports background where people don't ask you to do anything nicely," Pendleton told the Radio Times.

"I'm used to coaches shouting at me until I do something better, so I wouldn't actually mind Brendan being tougher on me. He's nothing in comparison to some coaches I've had."

Pendleton will take to the dancefloor once again this weekend, when the contestants face the first public vote.