Brendan's Secret Tragedy

Brendan Cole performed last night just hours after being informed that his father had passed away.

A source told the Daily Mail: "Brendan is incredibly disciplined and always professional, so he went out on the dancefloor on Saturday night. He didn’t tell any of the contestants, I think he was just in a state of shock. His father had been ill for quite a while, but Brendan is of course, devastated."

A Strictly Come Dancing spokesperson said: "Brendan Cole's father has passed away and Brendan has gone back to New Zealand to be with his family. Michelle Williams will continue on Strictly Come Dancing and will be partnered with Ian Waite for this weeks show until Brendan returns the following week. Our thoughts are with Brendan and his family."

My thoughts also go to Brendan at this difficult time.