Brendan Cole is focusing on the future following his shock exit from Strictly Come Dancing. The 41-year-old is preparing to welcome his second child with wife Zoe Hobs, and on Wednesday took to Instagram to share a sweet photo ahead of the baby's arrival. Brendan uploaded a black-and-white snapshot of a tiny baby socks, embroidered with elephants, writing alongside: "New arrival coming soon. Not long now…" His post was met with messages of congratulations from fans – many of whom also took the opportunity to commiserate with the star over his departure from the BBC show. "Congratulations! Can't believe Strictly not renewing your contract. I am certain they will lose a lot of viewers. I won't be watching," one wrote. A second added: "Exciting times! Look forward to following what you do next after Strictly, supporting you all the way."
© Photo: InstagramBrendan Cole is preparing for the arrival of his second child
Brendan and Zoe announced the news of her pregnancy in September, with the New Zealand-born dancer posting a Boomerang video of his wife showing off a tiny baby bump - which he simply captioned: "Hey all...@thezoecole and I have news..." The model then posted a family photo taken on the beach, telling her followers: "Yes it's true! Came back from Mallorca recently with a little excess baggage!" She added the hashtags, #whathavewedone, #babyonboard, #excitedandscared and #morejunkinthetrunk." The couple, who have been married since 2010, are already parents to five-year-old daughter Aurelia, who was born on Christmas Day in 2012.
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© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Strictly star pictured with wife Zoe Hobbs in January
It comes after Brendan's Strictly co-star Anton Du Beke spoke of his shock and upset following Brendan's exit from the show. Appearing on Lorraine this week, Anton said: "It was one of the saddest things I've watched on telly," he said. "I was heartbroken for him, for me a little bit as well. I'm going to miss him enormously. I can't begin to tell you." He added: "There's something about being with Brendan on the show and having been there since the beginning – there's only a few of us left. I've known Brendan for a long time anyway, and we've been friends for many, many years, and being on the show together was lovely for me. You've got a brother-in-arms sort of thing."
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