Stefan Dennis has been forced to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing following an injury.
The Neighbours actor, who was paired with fellow Aussie Dianne Buswell, issued a statement saying how gutted he was to have to leave the show.
"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," he said.
"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!"
BBC Studios executive 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."
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The BBC also confirmed that the show will continue with 11 couples.
Stefan previously missed a week of the competition due to illness, but due to the show's rules, was given a bye and returned at the weekend with a Charleston.
His partner Dianne was previously forced to deny that Stefan's absence had anying to do with her pregnancy, after recently announcing she's expecting a child.
"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!?" She said.
"Firstly, we wouldn't lie especially about somebody being sick! And secondly, I am fine, yes I am 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."
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturdays on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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Catherine is an Evening News Editor at Digital Spy, and was the site's News Editor between 2018 and 2024. Prior to that, she worked at OK! Online, and has interviewed a slew of celebrities across her career in entertainment news, including Tom Hanks, Cheryl and Noel Fielding. Catherine also has specialist knowledge in all things drag, interviewing a huge portion of RuPaul’s Drag Race stars, and getting her own drag makeover for Channel 4's show Drag SOS. LinkedIn
