Strictly Come Dancing professional Dianne Buswell has opened up about her unexpected partnership with Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis, revealing the surprising challenges they faced during their time on the hit BBC show.
In an exclusive interview on her podcast 'Dianne Buswell: Choreography Corner', the Australian dancer shared intimate details about their journey together, describing how the pairing initially took her by complete surprise.
The Unexpected Partnership
'When I found out I was partnered with Stefan, I was genuinely shocked,' Buswell confessed to her co-host. 'I never in a million years thought I would be dancing with someone from Neighbours - it felt like such an incredible full-circle moment.'
The connection runs deeper than just another celebrity pairing. Buswell revealed that growing up in Australia, she was a devoted fan of the long-running soap opera, making the partnership particularly meaningful for her.
Overcoming Early Challenges
Despite the initial excitement, the duo faced significant hurdles from the very beginning. Buswell didn't hold back when describing their first rehearsal, admitting it was far from smooth sailing.
'Our first dance was an absolute disaster,' she revealed with surprising candour. 'Stefan kept forgetting the steps, and I was thinking, "Oh my god, what have I got myself into?" It was genuinely terrifying.'
The Transformation
What followed was nothing short of remarkable. Through dedication and hard work, Dennis underwent what Buswell described as an 'incredible transformation'.
'By the time we performed on live television, he was a completely different dancer,' she beamed. 'The audience response was overwhelming, and seeing his confidence grow week after week was truly special.'
The Strictly professional also highlighted Dennis's surprising physical prowess, noting that his background in musical theatre gave him an unexpected advantage when it came to performance quality and stage presence.
A Bond Beyond the Dance Floor
Beyond the glitter and glamour of the Strictly ballroom, Buswell revealed that their connection deepened off-camera too. She described Dennis as becoming 'like a big brother' to her, offering guidance and support throughout the competition.
'We developed this wonderful friendship that extended far beyond our dance partnership,' she shared. 'He was always there with advice and encouragement, which made the entire experience so much more meaningful.'
The revelation gives fans a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the hit dancing competition, showing the genuine relationships that form between celebrities and their professional partners.
