Stefan Dennis forced to withdraw from Strictly due to ‘significant’ injury

Stefan Dennis has been forced to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing after sustaining a serious injury — bringing an early end to what had become one of the show’s most charming partnerships.

The soap legend, best known for playing the iconic villain Paul Robinson on Neighbours, revealed that he tore his calf muscle on Saturday, a setback severe enough to take him out of the competition for good.

‘This morning I woke up to the most disappointing day of my Strictly journey,’ a statement from Dennis, read on It Takes Two on Monday night, stated.

‘Just when I had finally gained the confidence to do well with my dancing in the comp and achieve more great dances along the way, I was told that on Saturday I had torn my calf so significantly that I am now forced to withdraw from the show.’

Dennis had been competing alongside professional dancer Dianne Buswell, whose warmth and humour proved a perfect match for the actor’s self-deprecating wit.

Together, they’d become audience favourites for their chemistry and for Dennis’s unexpected growth on the dance floor.

‘I can’t tell you how devastated I am to have to leave so prematurely,’ he continued.

‘There has been, and still is, so much love and support from everyone for both Dianne and myself. I owe both the Strictly family and Dianne a massive debt of gratitude for giving me the opportunity to fulfil my dream of being able to dance with my wife. (When my leg is better).’

Ever the joker, Dennis added a note that will make Neighbours fans smile: ‘Fun fact for all the avid Neighbours fans… it’s the same leg! 😂’

The news comes after Stefan and Dianne were forced to pull out of the live show on Saturday night last week after he was advised by doctors to rest following a brief illness.

Their statement at the time clarified: ‘In line with the rule of Strictly, Stefan and Dianne will receive a bye through to next week’.

The official BBC Strictly Instagram account shared the news at the time, writing: ‘Due to illness over the past few days, Stefan Dennis has been advised by doctors to rest and, as a result, he will not dance this weekend.’

After recording a special message for It Takes Two announcing their return to the show, the pair confirmed they were training for the next show on Saturday.

They then went on to give a great performance Saturday night, performing a Charleston to Dance Monkey by Tones and I – a memorable dance that would prove to be their last.

They were awarded their highest score of 26 as they hugged eachother and cheered with excitement, even as Dennis would later learn he had torn his calf during the dance.

Strictly Executive Producer Sarah James praised Dennis’s energy and positivity throughout the competition, saying, according to the BBC, ‘We’ve adored having Stefan on Strictly Come Dancing, and are heartbroken that his journey — and his fantastic partnership with Dianne Buswell — has been cut short.

‘It’s been a joy to see him embrace the series with such enthusiasm and we really hope that, once better, he will keep dancing.’

His partner Buswell took to Instagram moments after the announcement to write a heartfelt tribute to her partner and his time on the show.

The caption read:’🥹❤️ stefo I’m so sorry our strictly journey was cut short just as that confidence was starting to grow. But you can walk away with your head held high. You can go home to your wonderful wife put your hand out and say would you like to cha cha cha with me 🥹

‘the main reason for being on this show was to be able to dance with her and you can certainly do that now. You are the kindest human I have ever worked with and I can always say I got to dance with the iconic neighbours legend Stefan Dennis or as my dad calls ya Paul Robertson ❤️ Can’t wait for you to send me the video of you and Gail dancing together 🥹❤️🙏’

Dennis joined this year’s lineup as one of the most high-profile signings, bringing with him decades of screen experience and a devoted international fanbase.

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