The Neighbours legend was paired with Dianne Buswell on the BBC series
18:45, 20 Oct 2025Updated 19:02, 20 Oct 2025
Stefan Dennis and Dianne Buswell on Strictly Come Dancing(Image: BBC)
Stefan Dennis has been ‘forced to withdraw’ from Strictly 2025 over a ‘significant’ injury, it was confirmed on Monday evening (October 20).
Neighbours legend Stefan, who played Paul Robinson on the Australian soap, was paired with Australian professional dancer Dianne Buswell.
Stefan previously missed movie week as he and Dianne were given a bye to the fourth week of the competition, returning to dancefloor on Saturday night (October 18).
Sadly, after suffering tearing his calf, Stefan was informed by medics that he is unable to take part on Strictly going forward.
“This morning I woke up to the most disappointing day of the time in my Strictly journey. 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.
“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 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),” he said in a statement.
Strictly Come Dancing stars Stefan Dennis and Dianne Buswell(Image: Dianne Buswell Instagram)
Stefan added in a refence to his Neighbours days: “Fun fact for all the avid Neighbours fans… it’s the same leg,” he said in a statement.
Sarah James, Executive Producer, BBC Studios stated: “We’ve adored having Stefan on Strictly Come Dancing, and are heartbroken that his Strictly 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.”
During their return to Strictly at the weekend, Stefan and Dianne danced the Charleston to Dance Monkey by Tones And I.
Potraying Bonnie and Clyde in the routine, Stefan and Dianne scored 26 out of a possible 40 for their routine, their highest of the competition so far.
When it came to the results show, it was confirmed that ‘Team Aussie’ made it through to week five, which would have seen them compete in the second-ever Icons Week special.
Shortly after the show, Dianne, who is pregnant with her first child, shared an image on Instagram of them eating a chocolate bar.
Stefan previously promised that if he got through a routine with no mistakes then they would be rewarded with the tasty snack.
It was confirmed by Fleur East on Strictly spin-off series It Takes Two that Stefan and Dianne will be appearing on the programme to discuss their withdrawal on Wednesday night (October 22).