Dianne Buswell has hit back at accusations her and Strictly Come Dancing celebrity partner Stefan Dennis lied about the reason they will not be competing in tonight’s episode of BBC the dance show. It was announced by BBC last night that “due to illness” Stefan had been advised by doctors not to perform.
A full statement from BBC Strictly said: “Due to illness over the past few days, Stefan Dennis has been advised by the doctors to rest and, as a result, he will not dance this weekend.
“In line with the rules of Strictly, Stefan and Dianne will receive a bye through to next week when they will hopefully be able to dance again.” Taking to Instagram, Dianne shared her own message of support to her fellow Australian Strictly partner.
She said: “Sending Aussie love to the wonderful Stefan Dennis you are such a trooper and I know how much you wanted to dance. Hopefully we will be back in full force next week.”
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.”
Away from the dance floor, Dianne has had an exciting couple of weeks. Earlier this week, the dancer announced earlier this month she was expecting a baby with her partner, Joe Sugg.
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 grown. The couple made it to the competition’s final before being beaten by fellow contestants Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton.
Dianne took to social media again this afternoon, October 11, to clarify why she won’t be performing this evening. She wrote: “Just to clarify as I have had loads of people messaging me thinking this is a cover up for me not being able to dance.
“Firstly, we wouldn’t lie especially about someone being sick and secondly I am fine. Yes I am pregnant but I’m also very capable and feeling good. Thirdly there are things in place if any pro was to get sick in injured.”