Brendan Cole shares tender hug and kiss With partner Lisa Snowdon

His partner apparently likes to sit in on rehearsals between the pair to keep him in check.

But Brendan Cole appears to be forming a strong bond with his new dance partner on Strictly Come Dancing, model and presenter, Lisa Snowdon.

The pair looked like they were celebrating a successful session when they were spotted exchanging hugs and kisses as they left the dance studios.

Getting close: Brendan Cole and Lisa Snowdon exchange a friendly hug and a kiss in a London street

They were seen sharing a cuddle as they carried their designer gym bags after completing a gruelling dance work-out. Couples will hit the dancefloor in front of millions for the first time this weekend as the contest kicks off in earnest on Saturday.

Snowdon, 37, has previously said she is happy for Cole's 26-year-old girlfriend to sit in on their training sessions because she does not want any 'bad vibes'.

Four years ago, long before he met his current girlfriend, there were widespread rumours that he was having an affair with newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky, his first partner on the hit BBC1 show.

Cuddling up: Brendan and Lisa share a tender moment

Contestant Snowdon, who used to date George Clooney, has said before that she understands why 32-year-old Cole is a hit with women. She put down the New Zealander's success with women to 'that Dirty Dancing thing'.

The TV presenter said: 'Women find a man who can dance sexy. They like men who can lead them on the dancefloor. And Brendan is a good dancer.

'He's masculine, dominant and protective of his partners in front of the judges.'

She said when dances with him she feels 'very feminine' and praised his skills as a teacher.

The radio presenter, who recently confessed not having sex for a year, is up against rivals including Rachel Stevens, Gary Rhodes and John Sergeant.

Cole's other half Zoe Hobbs has reportedly been attending training sessions between the pair.

Hands on: Lisa throws an arm around her dance partner

Snowdon recently told the Sunday Mirror: 'Zoe has come to watch us rehearse. And she's going to be sitting in the front row every week during the live shows too. It's worrying when anyone's watching because dancing is so nerve-racking - it's even worse when it's someone else's girlfriend.

'But I was happy for her to see the routines - I don't want there to be any bad vibes.'

Last week it was claimed that Strictly Come Dancing star Jessie Wallace was annoyed that Snowdon was getting the sexiest outfits on the show.

The former EastEnder is said to have lost weight for the series and want to show off her new shape on the show.

Perfect smile: Lisa stands on one leg outsuide the dance studio

Former ITN political editor John Sergeant looks set to be the most colourful contestant in this year's show.

The 64-year-old was spotted practising with his dance partner Kristina Rihanoff in a car park in Lyme Regis last week.

He was in the Dorset town to perform a one man show based on his 40-year career as a political reporter.

But he brought along his dance partner to squeeze in some training. The problem was that they were locked out of the theatre all day.

He has also attended gym sessions in West London religiously every day, arriving at 10am and not leaving until 3pm.