LEGENDARY Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis has been forced to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing 2025.
He’s the third celeb to drop out of series 23, making it the most injury-affected year in the show’s history.
Who is Stefan Dennis?
Stefan Dennis is an Australian actor best known for portraying Paul Robinson in long-running Aussie soap Neighbours.
Fans of the show will be sad to learn – if they don’t already know – that it is coming to an end in December 2025 after being cancelled for the second time.
Born in Melbourne on October 30, 1958, Stefan started his acting career in the ’70s, going on to became one of Australia’s most recognisable stars after joining Neighbours in 1985.
Over nearly four decades, he appeared in more than 6,000 episodes, making him the longest-serving actor in Australian television history.
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Outside of Neighbours, Dennis has taken on various roles in theatre and TV, including featuring in episodes of The Bill, Casualty and Dream Team.
He also pursued a brief music career in the ’80s, with his biggest hit Don’t It Make You Feel Good reaching No. 16 on the UK Singles Charts in 1989.
Why has Stefan Dennis pulled out of Strictly?
Stefan was forced to quit Strictly after sustaining a severe calf injury during rehearsals.
This came just days after his comeback dance following a brief illness that kept him out of Movie Week.
Despite his struggles, Dennis and Dianne Buswell’s Charleston routine earned their best score of the series – 26 out of 40.
The judges praised Stefan’s energy and commitment during his time on the show.
Strictly Executive Producer Sarah James said they were “heartbroken” to lose him and his partnership with Dianne had been “a joy” to watch.
Stefan confirmed the news on October 20, 2025, saying in a in a statement: “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.
Fun fact for all the avid Neighbours fans… it’s the same leg!
Stefan Dennis
“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!”
In his most famous acting role as Paul Robinson on the soap, the ruthless businessman had to have one of his legs amputated – ironically the same one he’s torn his calf on.
Is Stefan Dennis being replaced on Strictly?
As of October 21, 2025, there has been no indication from the BBC that Stefan Dennis will be replaced on the show.
The competition will continue with 11 remaining couples, following the earlier exit of two other stars through injury and three eliminations.
Dani Dyer fractured her ankle earlier in the series and Kristian Nairn had to quit due to “unexpected medical reasons”.
Who are the Strictly 2025 couples?
The remaining pairings for series 23 of the nation’s favourite celeb dance-off are:
Eliminated
Pulled out through injury
Strictly 2025 continues on BBC One every Saturday evening, with the accompanying results shows airing Sundays on the same channel.
