Brendan Cole has asked for videos of Anastacia rehearsing with his temporary replacement Gorka Marquez to be sent to him while he's on strict bed rest.

Anastacia and Brendan Cole

Anastacia and Brendan Cole

The 'Strictly Come Dancing' professional was forced to pull out of training this week after he contracted a nasty chest infection but, despite doctors' orders to remain in bed and rest up, the tough-talking dancer is determined to keep an eye on his partner.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "He's keeping an eye on what they're [Anastacia and Gorka are] doing [in rehearsal]. It's his thing, his routine."

The 40-year-old star was rushed to hospital last weekend after he was struggling to breathe during training but, despite the nature of the illness, he went on to dance a day later during the live show with Anastacia and, subsequently, ended up in the bottom two.

The pair won the dance-off against journalist Naga Munchetty but it's unclear whether the New Zealand hunk will be well enough to perform with the pop star this weekend.

A spokesperson said: "Brendan is hoping to be better for this Saturday."

The dancing duo haven't had the best of luck so far in the competition as Anastacia has also battled with ill-health and has found herself in the bottom two twice already.

The 48-year-old beauty - who has had both breasts removed following two bouts of breast cancer - was forced to alter her routine at the last minute after she tore her mastectomy scar tissue in the first week of training.

The extent of her delicate injury meant she was banned from performing in the dance off against Melvin Odoom and the radio presenter was given the boot after he received the lowest amount of votes from the public the night before.