In an exciting development for reality television fans, Stefan Dennis, the legendary Australian actor known for his decades-long portrayal of Paul Robinson in Neighbours, has officially confirmed his participation in the upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing.
The 65-year-old soap icon revealed the news during an appearance on ITV's This Morning, sending waves of excitement through both soap opera and dance competition enthusiasts. Dennis becomes one of the first confirmed celebrities for the 2024 series of the hit BBC show.
From Ramsay Street to the Ballroom
Dennis, who holds the distinction of being the longest-serving cast member in Neighbours history, expressed genuine enthusiasm about stepping out of his comfort zone. "I'm absolutely terrified but equally excited," the actor confessed during his television announcement.
His casting marks a significant moment for both shows, bridging Australian television heritage with British entertainment royalty. Dennis follows in the footsteps of other Australian stars who've taken to the Strictly dance floor, though none with quite his level of soap opera pedigree.
A Dream Come True
What makes this career move particularly poignant is that Dennis has openly admitted to being a long-time fan of Strictly Come Dancing. "I've watched the show for years and always thought, 'I'd love to do that,'" he shared with hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley.
The actor's revelation adds an authentic layer of anticipation to his participation, suggesting viewers will witness a genuine journey of a fan living out his dream rather than just another celebrity payday.
Proving Age is Just a Number
At 65, Dennis represents the more mature contingent of Strictly contestants, potentially appealing to the show's broad demographic. His participation demonstrates the programme's continuing commitment to age diversity among its celebrity lineup.
While Dennis remained tight-lipped about which professional dancer he hopes to be paired with, he did confirm that preparations are already underway for his ballroom debut this autumn.
Strictly Come Dancing continues to be one of the BBC's most successful entertainment formats, and the addition of a beloved international soap star like Stefan Dennis promises to make the 2024 season particularly compelling for viewers across the UK and beyond.
