Dianne Buswell and Stefan Dennis on Strictly Come Dancing on October 18, 2025 / BBC
Stefan Dennis has been forced to withdraw from this year’s Strictly Come Dancing after tearing a muscle in his calf.
The Neighbours legend, 66, missed week three of the competition on doctor’s orders but returned to the dancefloor with professional partner Dianne Buswell over the weekend, placing third from bottom on the leaderboard.
Now Dennis has confirmed that he has sustained an injury that will prevent him from continuing in the competition.
“This morning I woke up to the most disappointing day of the time in my Strictly journey,” he said in a statement. “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)
“Fun fact for all the avid Neighbours fans… it’s the same leg!”
Strictly exec producer Sarah James added: “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.”
Dennis will not be replaced in the lineup and the show will continue with 11 couples.
