As one of the biggest stars of BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing, Brendan Cole has become something of an expert at sensually embracing beautiful women.

But the ballroom dancer seemed to take things a little far when he took his latest love Zoe Hobbs for a romantic stroll last week.

As the pair ambled through the streets of Auckland, New Zealand, he decided the time was right to squeeze in a little physical passion.

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Making moves: Brendan Cole and Zoe Hobbs stroll through Auckland, New Zealand

Cole, who has enjoyed a string of high-profile affairs since shooting to fame, seemed unfazed by making such a public display of affection, despite the stares it attracted from passers-by.

The 32-year-old dancer has been seeing Ms Hobbs, a British model, for almost three months, but has taken great care to keep their romance secret - until now.

He let his guard slip as the pair strolled arm-in-arm along the city's waterfront, before taking in a romantic meal . . . at KFC. She had a burger, he had chicken pieces and chips.

Cole is in his native New Zealand until next month to make a local version of Strictly Come Dancing following the success of the British original, and persuaded his 26-year-old girlfriend to fly out to join him.

An onlooker said: "They couldn't keep their hands off each other the whole way.

"Brendan's very well known in New Zealand because he's done four series of the British show, which was a huge hit when it was shown here.

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The private couple share an intimate moment

"But although he got lots of stares from people on the street he only cared about Zoe.

"They were kissing, hugging and holding hands, but when they had to wait for the traffic lights to change at one junction, Brendan started acting like they were in the bedroom."

Cole has been seen out with a number of famous women since splitting up with fiancee and professional dance partner Camilla Dallerup in 2004.

She ended their eight-year relationship when Cole became too close to newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky, who was his partner on the first series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Since then, his dates have reportedly included Martine McCutcheon, Abi Titmuss and Lady Victoria Hervey.

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Romantic meal: Brendan and Zoe tuck into a KFC meal

But he seemed keen to keep his relationship with Ms Hobbs under wraps for fear of jinxing the blossoming romance.

He has, until now, managed to avoid the gaze of celebrity-watchers, despite attending a Valentine's event - the glamorous Silicone Ball charity fundraiser at London's Porchester Hall - together last month.

Last night, organiser Kaja Wunder said: "They looked like they were boyfriend and girlfriend.

"They definitely didn't meet at the ball; they came together. Brendan comes to all of our parties."

She added that Cole and Ms Hobbs, who wore a flowing cream and gold dress, made a great couple. "She was lovely," she said. "Very beautiful."

Their relationship has apparently been growing stronger ever since, with a source saying: "He couldn't face being apart from her for the two whole months he's in New Zealand.

"He'd only been seeing her a few weeks when he persuaded her to come out to join him.

"He's fallen really hard for her and he's been desperate to keep what's happening under wraps.

"He's very, very protective of her and has sworn everyone around him to secrecy."

While in New Zealand, Cole has been proudly introducing the 5ft 9in blue-eyed blonde to his family.

The couple stayed with his mother Karen while in Christchurch, and they also visited his father, Eddie, who is separated from Karen.

Ms Hobbs also met Cole's colleagues on Dancing With The Stars - the title of the New Zealand version of the show - at a cast party last week.

Cole's agent Geraldine Woods would not comment on the relationship but Premier Models, which represents Ms Hobbs in the UK, confirmed she would be in New Zealand until mid-April.

"She's just on holiday," a spokesperson said.

Ms Hobbs models mainly in Germany and Miami, and is also an interior designer.

... And here's a handful of Brendan's other squeezes

Ex-squeezes: Camilla Dallerup and Natasha Kaplinsky

The professional dancer... Camilla Dallerup

Danish-born Camilla was Cole's dance partner - and real-life love - for eight years from 1996. They became engaged just a month before Cole met Natasha Kaplinsky on series one of Strictly Come Dancing.

The TV newsreader... Natasha Kaplinsky

Ms Kaplinsky - dubbed Spangles after appearing on the show - had an on-screen chemistry with Cole. Rumours they were having an affair were fuelled when Ms Kaplinsky broke up with her partner of ten years, Mike Barnard.

Other lovers: Martine McCutcheon and Adele Silva

The first soap star...Martine McCutcheon

Former EastEnder and Love Actually star Martine was reportedly wined and dined by Cole for a short while in 2005. The pair hit it off after meeting at a showbiz party, but the relationship quickly fizzled out.

The second soap star...Adele Silva

Emmerdale actress Adele Silva, who plays man-eater Kelly Windsor, admitted to a fling with Cole after she was seen emerging from his home in February last year. Ms Silva had just split from Antony Costa, formerly of boy band Blue, and said that the brief romance was just a bit of fun.

Former flames: Shelly Ross, Abi Titmuss and Lady Victoria Hervey

The pole dancer... Shelly Ross

Ex-ballerina and former pole dancer Shelley Ross split up with David Ross, the Carphone Warehouse tycoon, in 2006. Cole gave Ms Ross dancing lessons and insisted the pair were just friends, later describing her as "the one that got away".

The Page 3 model... Abi Titmuss

After Cole danced with glamour model Abi Titmuss at a showbiz party in October 2006, she invited him back to her place for a coffee. But Titmuss told journalists that Cole thought he was there for more than a nightcap - so she sent him packing.

The aristocrat... Lady Victoria Hervey

Cole was spotted out with the wealthy socialite at exclusive parties at the upmarket Mayfair and Dorchester hotels in 2006. Lady Victoria told reporters that Cole was her date, but he insisted they were simply friends.

Brendan enjoyed a flirtatious relationship with Dancing on Ice partner Kelly Brook