Stefan Dennis Is Unable to Perform This Weekend
British-Australian television star Stefan Dennis has had to sit out this weekend’s live edition of Strictly Come Dancing after falling ill. The Neighbours legend, who is paired with fellow Australian Dianne Buswell, was clearly enjoying the experience on the dancefloor, but doctors advised rest following a recent spell of illness.
Strictly Come Dancing announced the update on social media, explaining that Stefan has been unwell for the past few days and will not dance on Saturday’s show. As per the competition’s rules, Dennis and Buswell will receive a bye through to next week, when they hope to return to the dance floor. This means their planned Waltz to It Is You (I Have Loved) from Shrek will not take place during Movie Week.
Reaction From the Strictly Cast and Fans
Fans reacted with messages of support for Stefan, who played Paul Robinson on Neighbours. Dianne Buswell posted a heartfelt reply on Instagram, writing: “Sending alll my Aussie love steffo ❤️ I know how much you wanted to dance.” The warmth extended to the broader Strictly community, with host Janette Manrara commenting on It Takes Two that they’re eagerly awaiting Stefan’s return: “Stefan, we’re sending you our best wishes and can’t wait to have you back soon.”
Within the show’s social channels, several judges and fellow contestants offered encouragement. Claudia Winkleman shared three red love hearts on a post, while Amy Dowden offered well wishes and Amber Davies sent a pair of red hearts. The outpouring of goodwill underscored how tightly knit the Strictly family has become this season.
What This Means for Movie Week
Movie Week is a beloved staple of Strictly Come Dancing, giving couples a chance to showcase themed routines to classic film songs. Stefan and Dianne had been preparing a Waltz that was set to a track from Shrek, a choice that would have allowed them to demonstrate classic ballroom technique within a cinematic context. With today’s setback, the pair will not perform on Saturday, but their bye to the next show preserves their place on the lineup, at least temporarily.
Producers will hope Stefan recovers quickly so the duo can re-enter the competition with renewed energy. For fans, the interruption adds a layer of suspense: will the illness derail their progress, or will the team rally in time for the next rounds? The format of Strictly ensures that even if one week is skipped, couples can continue competing, provided they’re fit to return in the following episode.
Performance History and Public Perception
Stefan Dennis’s journey on Strictly has been marked by high-energy performances and moments of vulnerability. The recent Cha Cha Cha performance to KC and The Sunshine Band’s Give It Up drew mixed feedback from judges, with Craig Revel Horwood calling the routine “stompy” and “stiff,” while Anton Du Beke praised portions as “very good.” Stefan admitted that pre-dance nerves and the choreography had stumped him, describing himself as petrified before stepping onto the floor. Their score of 17 placed them among the lower-scoring couples that week, but the public spotlight on Stefan has remained strong due to his long-running acting career and the cross-cultural fanbase he brings to the show.
What Fans Can Expect Next
With Stefan sidelined this weekend, Dianne Buswell will likely continue to engage with fans through social media and press appearances as she keeps them updated on Stefan’s health and their prospects for a comeback. Once Stefan is cleared by doctors, the pair will have the opportunity to rejoin the competition and deliver a performance that could recapture their momentum. Viewers can anticipate a high-energy return, alongside the ongoing support from their Aussie fanbase and fellow contestants across the ballroom.
Conclusion
Illness has momentarily paused Stefan Dennis’s Strictly Come Dancing journey, but the tight-knit community surrounding the show will be rooting for a speedy recovery and a swift return to the dance floor. Movie Week will resume after Stefan and Dianne’s hiatus, and fans will be eager to see how the Neighbours star adapts his technique and charisma to the next set of exciting performances.
