Strictly Come Dancing was hit with another massive blow yesterday as it was announced that Neighbours star Stefan Dennis has been forced to pull out of the show, only four weeks in. The announcement comes after Kristian Nairn and Dani Dyer both had to withdraw before the series began.
In a statement shared by BBC, an explanation for the sudden departure of Stefan was given. The message on behalf of Stefan said: “This morning I woke up to the most disappointing day of my time in my Strictly journey.
“Just when I had finally gained the confidence to do well with my dancing in the competition 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.”
Stefan’s message continued: “I can’t tell you how devastated I am to have to leave so prematurely, especially as there has been and still is, so much love and support from everyone for both Dianne and myself.
“I owe Strictly family and Dianne a massive debt and gratitude for giving me the opportunity to fulfil my dream of being able to dance with my wife (when my leg is better).”
Dianne has previously hit back at comments about her pregnancy and the impact it is having on her dancing. A recent message sent to her was screenshotted by the professional dancer and shared to her Instagram story.
A Strictly viewer wrote: “To be honest I saw this coming. Dianne couldn’t really continue especially when she gets bigger, bless her, she’s a brilliant dancer and she is one of my favourite, sorry to say but I think this was planned to keep her and the baby safe, just my thoughts.”
In response, Dianne responded: “I sound like a broken record but I am seeing a bit of this floating around again! I know people say ignore it but actually, why should I? I will speak up.”
The reigning Strictly champions clarified that she would love nothing more than dancing, admitting that this year she has “more energy” than last year. She told fans to “respect” Stefan.
Dianne said Stefan is “extremely gutted to not be able to dance” and slammed fans who presumed it was a set up, she concluded “we would if we could [keep dancing].”
The Strictly Come Dancing professional announced her pregnancy with partner Joe Sugg on September 14. The news was announced in an adorable Instagram reel.
The star met the YouTuber when they were paired together back in 2018 for the hit dance show, and their relationship has since blossomed. The couple made it to the competition’s final before being beaten by fellow contestants Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton.
This isn’t the first time Dianne has hit back at accusations her and Strictly Come Dancing celebrity partner have lied, Fans accused them of lying about the reason they did not compete in week three of the dance show.
Stefan was the 12th celebrity to join the new series of Strictly. The actor is best known for playing Paul Robinson in Neighbours, the longest running drama series in Australian television history. He first appeared on the show in 1985 and appeared in over 6,000 episodes during the 40 years that the show was on air.
Prior to joining Neighbours, he took on a number of other roles in numerous shows such as Prisoner, The Henderson Kids, The Sullivans, Young Doctors and Sons and Daughters, to name a few.
On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Stefan said: “This is an opportunity for me to once again learn to step out of my comfort zone in the world of television. Looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky.”