The Neighbours actor shared that he will be back on the dancefloor soon
Stefan Dennis and Dianne Buswell won’t be performing their routine for Movie Week(Image: Instagram)
As the third week of dancing arrives, Stefan Dennis has had to briefly pull out of Movie Week with partner Dianne Buswell.
Following Thomas Skinner’s departure from Strictly Come Dancing, the remaining celebrities will be returning to the dancefloor on Saturday (October 11) for Movie Week.
It’s officially the third week of the competition and as judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke ready their silver paddles, they’re not the only ones looking out for the contestants.
Wicked star Cynthia Erivo will be stepping into a brand-new role as the show’s first-ever Guest Mentor. Cynthia last appeared on the BBC show in 2021 to fill in for both Craig and Motsi on the judging panel.
However, just hours before the live show it was announced that Stefan Dennis and his professional partner Dianne Buswell will not be competing on the night.
The Neighbours actor, who played Paul Robinson for nearly four decades in the Australian soap, is said to have been suffering from’ ‘illness in recent days’ and has been put under doctors’ orders not to perform this weekend, but he will hopefully return the following week.
A BBC spokesperson said: “Due to illness over the past few days, Stefan Dennis has been advised by 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.”
The news was also confirmed by Janette Manrara on Strictly spin-off series It Takes Two moments into Friday night’s (October 10) episode.
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Stefan took to his social media to write a message after his brief departure was announced, as he said: “A huge cheers and thanks to everyone who has been supporting myself and Dianne.
“So sorry to disappoint for tomorrow night but I expect to be back on deck with a full recovery and a rip roaring dance next week to make up.”
Dianne took to her own Instagram to defend herself against claims being made. She said: “Just to clarify as I have had lots of people msg me thinking this is a cover-up for me being not able to dance!?
“Firstly, we wouldn’t lie, especially about someone being sick! And secondly, I am fine. Yes I’m pregnant but I’m also very capable and feeling really good.”
She added: “Thirdly, there are things in place if any pro were to get sick or injured [heart emoji].”