Strictly Come Dancing pro Dianne Buswell has shared a touching tribute to Stefan Dennis following his shock exit from the series.

Stefan, 66, announced on Monday evening that he has quit Strictly 2025 after suffering a painful injury.

The Neighbours legend has torn his calf muscle and has been told by medics to withdraw from the series.

Dianne, who was partnered with Stefan on Strictly, has now spoken out following his departure with an emotional message.

Strictly Come Dancing: Dianne responds to Stefan’s exit

Writing on Instagram, 36-year-old Dianne told Stefan he is “the kindest human” she has ever worked with. She also says he has done enough training to be able to dance with his wife, Gail, which was his ambition.

Dianne said: “Stefo I’m so sorry our Strictly journey was cut short just as that confidence was starting to grow. But you can walk away with your head held high.

“You can go home to your wonderful wife put your hand out and say would you like to cha cha cha with me. The main reason for being on this show was to be able to dance with her and you can certainly do that now.

“You are the kindest human I have ever worked with and I can always say I got to dance with the iconic neighbours legend Stefan Dennis or as my dad calls ya Paul Robinson.

“Can’t wait for you to send me the video of you and Gail dancing together.”

Strictly Come Dancing host, Claudia Winkleman, replied with three red heart emojis. Fleur East, who hosts Strictly: It Takes Two, added: “What a lovely journey we got to witness up until this point. Lots of love to you both! A great team.”

Amber Davies, who is competing on Strictly this year with Nikita Kuzmin, added: “The best duo, hearts broken for you both. What a team x.”

Former Strictly pro, James Jordan, has also commented. He said: “What a shame – gutted for you both. I felt he was just scratching the surface and knew you would get it out of him. Sending love to you both.”

What happened to Stefan?

The announcement about Stefan withdrawing from Strictly Come Dancing has come as a shock to fans. The Australian actor had only just returned to the show after bowing out over sickness.

Stefan missed Week 3 of the competition after falling ill but appeared to be fighting fit when he returned for last Saturday’s performance. In Sunday night’s Results show, he and Dianne also revealed they would be taking on Jon Bon Jovi in this Saturday’s Icons Week show.

But in a statement on Monday evening, Stefan said: “This morning I woke up to the most disappointing day of the time in my Strictly journey.

“Just when I had finally gained the confidence to do well with my dancing in the comp 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.”

He continued: “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.

“I owe both the Strictly Family and Dianne a massive debt of gratitude for giving me the opportunity to fulfil my dream of being able to dance with my wife. (When my leg is better) Fun fact for all the avid Neighbours fans… it’s the same leg!”

Stefan was referring to his Neighbours character Paul Robinson, who has a false leg.

When is the next episode of Strictly on?

Strictly Come Dancing returns to screens this weekend but without Stefan and Dianne. Following last week’s departure of Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova, there are now only 11 couples left in the competition.

The Icons Week live show starts at 6.20pm on BBC One on Saturday October 25, 2025. Strictly Come Dancing: The Results will return the following night on BBC One at 7.15pm. Both episodes will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Read more: Strictly star Ola Jordan urges BBC to scrap themed dances and ‘go back to basics’ to save show

Strictly Come Dancing continues at 6.20pm on BBC One on Saturday October 25, 2025.