Kiwi dancer Brendan Cole replaced on Strictly following lung infection

Brendan Cole at the launch of 'Strictly Come Dancing 2016'. Photo / Getty Images

He soldiered on through Saturday's episode of Strictly Come Dancing after visiting A&E with a chest infection, but now Kiwi dancer Brendan Cole has been temporarily replaced.

His partner Anastacia will now dance with Gorka Marquez - who originally danced with Tameka Empson - until Cole gets the all-clear from doctors, the Daily Mail reports.

Speaking on Strictly spin-off It Takes Two, Brendan, 40, said: "I'll let you into a little secret. We have the lovely Gorka stepping in for me for a few days."

Brendan Cole seen in discomfort on Strictly Come Dancing. Photo / BBC

A BBC insider confirmed to the Mirror: "Brendan has choreographed the routine but is resting until Friday as per doctors orders. So Gorka will be running the routine with Anastasia in training until then."

Cole went to hospital on Saturday morning after struggling to breathe with a lung infection, but still performed on the show later that day.

However, viewers noticed he was out of sorts and seemed short of breath after the performance, as he clutched his chest whilst listening to the judges' comments.

Cole took to his Twitter account that morning to let fans know he was still fine to compete in the show and praised the NHS staff who cared for him.

Cole is well known in New Zealand as a judge on Dancing With the Stars but has been a household name in the UK since securing a regular spot on Strictly in 2004. He went on to star in all nine series of the show.