Neighbours icon Stefan Dennis, known for his role as Paul Robinson, has opened up for the first time since a devastating injury forced him to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing. The 66-year-old actor suffered a severe calf muscle tear during Saturday’s performance, an injury that abruptly ended his journey in the competition. Despite the setback, Dennis remains resolute, vowing to return for the show’s final episode later this year.
“It’s a bit of a s****er,” Dennis admitted, reflecting on the gut-wrenching moment he was told he could no longer compete. “But I’ll be back at the end of the year, for the final. I’ve done too much to come back and try again next year.” His determination to return for the finale underscores his resilience, even as he grapples with the disappointment of leaving the dance floor prematurely.
Stefan Dennis and Dianne Buswell smiling.
Stefan Dennis and Dianne Buswell dancing on Strictly Come Dancing.
The injury occurred during a lively Charleston performance to Dance Monkey by Tones and I, where Dennis and his professional partner, Dianne Buswell, scored a respectable 26 points. However, the physical toll was undeniable. Medical assessments on Monday confirmed the extent of the damage, leaving Dennis with no choice but to step back from the competition. In a poignant nod to his Neighbours character, whose storyline famously involved a leg amputation, Dennis quipped, “Fun fact for all the avid Neighbours fans… it’s the same leg!”
Despite the pain, Dennis put on a brave face, attending the Pride of Britain Awards in London alongside Buswell. Expressing gratitude to fans, he said, “From the bottom of my heart, I’m humbled to have so many of you out there supporting Dianne and me on this journey.”
In his official exit statement, Dennis shared his heartbreak: “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. 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.”
Meanwhile, Buswell, who made history as the first pregnant professional dancer to compete on Strictly, has fiercely addressed speculation surrounding Dennis’s exit. Some online comments suggested the withdrawal was a planned move to protect Buswell and her unborn child, whom she is expecting with YouTube star Joe Sugg. One fan wrote, “To be honest, I saw this coming. Dianne couldn’t really continue, especially when she gets bigger, bless her.” Another claimed, “I think this was planned to keep her and baby safe, just my thought.”
Buswell, who won Strictly last year with comedian Chris McCausland, was quick to shut down the rumors. “I sound like a broken record, but I’m seeing a bit of this floating around again! I know people say ignore it, but actually, why should I? I will speak up,” she declared. “Please respect Stefan, who is extremely gutted to not be able to dance.”
The pair’s partnership had been a highlight of the season, with their chemistry and dedication earning widespread admiration. As Dennis prepares to cheer from the sidelines, fans eagerly await his return for the Strictly Come Dancing final, where he’ll undoubtedly bring the same spirit that made him a fan favorite.