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​Brendan Cole confirms he will not be performing on tonight's Strictly Come Dancing due to illness​

12018144 low_res strictly come dancing 2016
Emmy Griffiths
TV & Film Editor
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Brendan Cole has confirmed that he will not be performing in tonight's episode of Strictly Come Dancing after being taken ill.

The star, who is currently partnered with singer Anastacia on the hit BBC show, is reportedly among six of the contestants and their partners who are coming down with illness, including Anton du Beke, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Janette Manrara and Aljaz Skorjanec.

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Brendan Cole and Anastacia dancing© Photo: BBC

Brendan confirmed he will not be performing on Saturday night

In a statement posted onto his website, Brendan wrote: "Well here we are, it is Friday and yes, a decision has been made! After visiting my Doctor again, we have unfortunately decided that I will not take part in this weekend's show!

"Annoyingly, I'm still not 100 percent (although I do feel much better compared to how I felt earlier in the week). So I am to continue resting for a couple more days in the hope I am fighting fit ready for Monday to gear up for next week's Halloween show (my favourite of the series)."

He revealed that Anastacia would be dancing with fellow professional dancer Gorka Marquez instead, who she had spent the week rehearsing with while Brendan was ill, writing: "In some ways, it will be better for Anastacia to do what she has been learning and rehearsing all week with the lovely Gorka.

Brendan Cole and Anastacia dancing© Photo: BBC

Anastacia will be performing with Gorka on Saturday night instead

"It would have felt quite different for her with a last minute partner swap so at least there are no extra pressures on her shoulders with regard to that."

The star then wished the pair the best of luck, joking: "I will be cheering you on from my sofa! Good luck!"

The 40-year-old was forced to deny morbid reports that he had died earlier this week, claiming that he was "horrified" by the rumours.

He tweeted: "Ok...very disturbing..I have just been informed that I am dead! Horrified & bemused about the @CNN reporting this!"

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