In a shocking turn of events for Strictly Come Dancing fans, Neighbours icon Stefan Dennis has been forced to withdraw from the highly anticipated 2024 series due to a serious medical emergency.
The Australian actor, best known for playing Paul Robinson in the long-running soap, was all set to trade Ramsay Street for the ballroom when an unexpected health crisis forced him to pull out just weeks before filming was due to begin.
Medical Emergency Derails Dancing Dreams
Dennis revealed the devastating news during an appearance on Australia's The Morning Show, explaining that doctors discovered a significant health issue during routine medical checks required for the BBC programme.
"It was a medical thing that came up out of the blue," the 65-year-old actor disclosed. "I went for the medical and they went, 'No, you can't do it.' I was absolutely devastated."
While Dennis remained tight-lipped about the exact nature of the health scare, he confirmed it was serious enough that medical professionals wouldn't clear him for the physically demanding competition.
Dianne Buswell Left Partnerless
The last-minute withdrawal has left professional dancer Dianne Buswell without a celebrity partner for the upcoming series. Buswell, who reached the final with Bobby Brazier last year, now faces an uncertain start to the new season.
Dennis had been particularly excited about the prospect of partnering with the popular red-haired dancer, having followed her Strictly journey for years.
"I was really looking forward to working with Dianne," he lamented. "I think she's absolutely gorgeous and a wonderful, wonderful dancer."
From Ramsay Street to Reality TV
The casting would have marked a significant career move for Dennis, who has played Paul Robinson in Neighbours since 1985, making him one of Australian television's longest-serving actors in a single role.
His potential participation had generated considerable excitement among both Neighbours and Strictly fan bases, promising an interesting crossover between two beloved television institutions.
The actor had even begun preliminary preparations, though he admitted to having "two left feet" when it came to dancing ability.
Future Strictly Prospects Uncertain
When asked if he might join a future series once his health improves, Dennis remained cautiously optimistic but realistic about the opportunity.
"Maybe, maybe, but I'm not counting on it," he said. "I think that was my chance and it's gone."
The BBC now faces the challenge of finding a replacement celebrity at short notice, while Strictly fans are left wondering who might step in to fill the unexpected vacancy alongside Dianne Buswell.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the intense physical demands of Strictly Come Dancing, which has seen several contestants struggle with injuries throughout its run, though rarely before the competition even begins.
