Dianne Buswell has been forced to address cruel rumours circulating online after her dance partner Stefan Dennis withdrew from Strictly Come Dancing. The Neighbours actor, 66, pulled out of the competition due to a torn calf muscle, becoming the third celebrity to exit the series this year.
Following his departure, some social media users suggested that his exit was orchestrated to accommodate Buswell's pregnancy, with the dancer making history as the first pregnant contestant on the show. One comment read: 'To be honest I saw this coming, Diane couldn't really continue especially when she gets bigger... I think this was planned to keep her and baby safe.'
Taking to Instagram Stories, Buswell hit back: 'I sound like a broken record but I'm seeing a bit of this floating around again! I know people say ignore it but actually why should I. I will speak up... I would love nothing more than to keep dancing this week next week the week after that so so on and so forth. In fact I have more energy this year than I did this time last year.'
She added: 'Please respect Stefan who is extremely gutted to not be able to dance and stop presuming this was a set up! because believe me we would if we could!' Buswell also paid tribute to her partner, calling him 'the kindest human I have ever worked with' and noting that he can now go home and dance with his wife.
Dennis had earlier announced his devastation, saying he tore his calf so significantly that he was forced to withdraw. 'I can't tell you how devastated I am to have to leave so prematurely,' he said, thanking the Strictly family and Buswell for the opportunity.
