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.
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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! 😂’
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