WOUNDED Stefan Dennis has revealed he will be back on Strictly Come Dancing for the final.
Breaking his silence for the first time since quitting with a serious calf injury, the Neighbours legend said he was gutted to be out of the contest.
Sign up for the newsletter
Thank you!
Strictly Come Dancing’s Stefan Davies has revealed he’ll be back for the BBC show finalCredit: Ray Burmiston
He was forced to retire from the programme after suffering a injury on SaturdayCredit: Eroteme
He exclusively told The Sun ‘I’ll be back at the end of the year’Credit: PA
He said: “It’s a bit of a s****er, but I’ll be back at the end of the year, for the final.
“I’ve done too much to come back and try again next year.”
The Paul Robinson actor, 66, tore his muscle dancing on Saturday’s show and was told on Monday that he would be unable to continue.
He put on a brave face to attend the Pride of Britain awards in London alongside pro dance Dianne Buswell.
call out
Strictly fans SLAM judge for ‘awkward’ comments leaving pro ‘SO uncomfortable’
on blast
Furious Dianne Buswell hits back at Strictly fans who say Stefan’s exit ‘planned’
Stefan added: “From the bottom of my heart I’m humbled to have so many of you out there supporting Dianne and me on this journey.”
EXIT STATEMENT
His earlier announcement read: “Just when I had finally gained the confidence to do well with my dancing in the competition and achieve more great dances along the way, I was told that on Saturday I had torn my calf so significantly that I am now forced to withdraw from the show.
“I can’t tell you how devastated I am to have to leave so prematurely especially as there has been, and still is, so much love and support from everyone for both Dianne and myself.
“Fun fact for all the avid Neighbours fans… it’s the same leg!”
One of Stefan’s beloved character’s main storylines culminated in him having his leg amputated after an accident.
DIANNE’S CLAP BACK
Meanwhile Dianne, who is pregnant with her first child, has hit out at claims that Stefan’s withdrawal had been planned.
She shared a comment from a fan online, which read: “To be honest I saw this coming, Diane couldn’t really continue especially when she gets bigger, bless her.”
Another screenshotted message read: “She’s a brilliant dancer and she is one of my favourites sorry to say but I think this was planned to keep her and baby safe, just my thought.”
Dianne, the first pro to compete while pregnant in Strictly history, said in response: “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,”
“Please respect Stefan who is extremely gutted to not be able to dance.”
All your Strictly Come Dancing winners
Strictly first kicked off back in 2004, and over the years has crowned 21 winners.
The pair scored 26 last weekend performing a Charleston to Dance Monkey by Tones and I.
Dianne, who won last year’s Strictly with comedian Chris McCausland, announced in September that she was expecting her first child with YouTube star Joe Sugg.
The Aussie was told by doctors on Monday he would be unable to continueCredit: Darren Fletcher
His pro partner Dianne Buswell has clapped back at trolls sceptical of their show exitCredit: PA
Dianne was the first pro in Strictly’s history to compete while pregnantCredit: PA
