Brendan Cole has taken to Instagram to post a poignant tribute to both his wife Zoe Cole and professional skate partner Vanessa Bauer, with hours to go until the Dancing on Ice final, telling the pro she is 'his champion.'
A consistent high scorer with the judges, ex Strictly star Brendan has managed to avoid falling into the Skate Off the whole series, so is well tipped to at least be in the final two on Sunday night.
Brendan’s former Strictly colleague James Jordan triumphed on the show in 2019 and Brendan is second favourite to triumph in this year’s Dancing on Ice final, behind Regan Gascoigne.
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And before heading to his last rehearsals before the finale, Brendan took to Instagram to reflect on his time in the competition, particularly his personal skate in the semi-final, which saw him skate to Elvis Costello's She in honour of wife Lisa.
Paying tribute to her and his pro partner Vanessa next to a video of that performance, Brendan wrote: "My dream on the show (other than hopefully becoming really good and dreaming of making the final) was to create and perform this number and dedicate it to her, my wife and best friend Zoe Cole.
"I had no idea how important she would become throughout my time on the show. She shared every emotion, every step, every tear, every moment and never complained."
Brendan, who won the first ever series of Strictly, added: "I loved performing this number with her watching in the audience alongside our beautiful daughter Aurélia, whilst thinking about my dad, my son and the rest of my family."
Also aking time to heap praise on champion pro Vanessa, Brendan continued: "Tomorrow’s final I will dedicate mostly to you my friend! What a person, what a partner, what an absolute talent you are and what a team we have been. Thank you for being the best pro a man could ask for.
"I am going to miss hanging out with you, learning from you and no doubt annoying you daily. I intend to have a ball tomorrow and with you by my side! Win or lose it does not matter, I’ve had the time of my life and tomorrow I am proud to dance with you for the last time in this chapter!"
Rounding off the post with a message for Vanessa, Brendan wrote: "Thank you, you are a very special young lady and deserve everything that comes to you! You are my @dancingonice champion!
