Annouces his exit Stefan 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!”
Stefan Dennis quits Strictly Come Dancing
Sarah James, Executive Producer, BBC Studios says: “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.”
Previously in the show, Stefan earned praise from the judges, with Motsi labelling him the potential “ballroom king” for series 23.
In the series launch show, Stefan danced a Foxtrot to the Neighbours Theme by Barry Crocker with his partner Dianne, who is expecting her first baby with partner Joe Sugg (whom she was coupled with on Strictly in 2018).
Following the dance, Mabuse said: “I’m actually impressed, for the first week, how much control you had on your standing leg. The ability to shift weight is really incredible.
“And this is the dance I love to see when I watch a couple, I can read the timing.
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“I’m at ease, that means you guys are good. You’ve got everything under control, it’s calm, it’s collected, it was smooth, I think we have a ballroom king on our way.”
Head judge Shirley Ballas also said she was “impressed” by Dennis’ routine, labelling it the “best performance so far”.
Stefan and Dianne will be interviewed on Strictly: It Takes Two on Wednesday 22 October from 6.30pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
