Strictly Come Dancing 2025 star quits show in major BBC blow

Strictly Come Dancing 2025 contestant Stefan Dennis has quit the BBC programme after sustaining an injury. A statement issued by the Neighbours actor said: "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)

"Fun fact for all the avid Neighbours fans... it's the same leg!"

Executive Strictly producer Sarah James said: "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."

Stefan previously pulled out of week three of the show due to illness, with doctors advising him to rest. His pro partner Dianne hit back at claims the bye the couple received was anything to do with her pregnancy.

Stefan is far from the first to pull out of this year's competition. Dani Dyer was forced to withdraw from this series due to injury, explaining: "I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny. I thought I had rolled my foot but it swelled up badly over the weekend and after an MRI scan yesterday, it turns out I have fractured my ankle.

"Apparently doing the quickstep on a fracture is not advisable (!!) and the doctors have said I am not allowed to dance so l've had to pull out of the show. To say I'm heartbroken is the biggest understatement. I am so going to miss dancing with Nikita but will of course be watching closely and cheering all the couples on."

Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn also withdrew from the show on medical grounds before the series began.