Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis has been forced to pull out of this weekend's Strictly Come Dancing after doctors advised him to rest due to illness. The 62-year-old, who is partnered with Dianne Buswell, was scheduled to perform a routine to It Is You (I Have Loved) from Shrek during Movie Week.
The BBC programme confirmed the news on Instagram, stating: 'Due to illness over the past few days, Stefan Dennis has been advised by doctors to rest and, as a result, he will not dance this weekend. In line with the rules of Strictly, Stefan and Dianne will receive a bye through to next week when they will hopefully be able to dance again.'
Dianne, who is expecting her first child with partner Joe Sugg, responded with a message of support, writing: 'Sending all my Aussie love steffo. I know how much you wanted to dance!' Judge Motsi Mabuse also commented, saying: 'Get well soon.'
The news comes as former Strictly contestant Vicky Pattison revealed that a bug has been circulating among the professional dancers. Speaking to Angela Scanlon, she said: 'There is some horrible bug going around that is sweeping through the Strictly pros and dancers. Kai got it, came into rehearsals yesterday and he just totally deteriorated over a space of hours.'
Stefan and Dianne survived last week's dance-off, which saw former Apprentice contestant Thomas Skinner become the first elimination. During their Cha Cha Cha performance, Stefan admitted he was 'petrified' and later stumbled on the stairs, but emerged unscathed.
