The Strictly Come Dancing star spoke out about their early exit from the BBC One competition, revealing they were “dosed up to the eyeballs” on painkillers
Meghna Amin Screen Time Reporter
08:16, 11 Dec 2025
Fans were gutted when Stefan Dennis was devastatingly forced to quit after a calf injury (Image: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing sensation Stefan Dennis has disclosed he was “dosed up to the eyeballs on painkillers” during his final performance on the BBC One show.
The Neighbours legend was compelled to bow out early from this year’s competition after being paired with Dianne Buswell.
Dianne, who claimed the glitterball trophy last year alongside comedian Chris McCausland, was making television history as the first pregnant dancer to perform on the programme.
After their premature departure, the duo expressed their devastation at having to step back due to Stefan’s injury.
He’s now shared details about their journey, confessing he was “dosed up to the eyeballs” on painkillers, reports Wales Online.
Stefan Dennis was forced to pull out of Strictly this year(Image: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire )READ MORE: Good Morning Britain halted for major news update as Government humiliatedREAD MORE: Strictly Come Dancing’s Janette Manrara shares ‘sad’ announcement minutes into live show
Speaking on Good Morning Britain today (Thursday 11 December), before his final bow as Paul Robinson in Neighbours’ concluding episode, Stefan chatted with presenters Kate Garraway and Richard Madeley.
He revealed: “I tore my calf muscle very, very badly during rehearsal. When you see me doing that dance, I’m dosed up to the eyeballs on painkillers when I was doing that.”
Stefan was warned by doctors that he would suffer “irreparable” damage if he continued dancing, which came at a particularly heartbreaking time as he admitted that he had finally “got” the dance.
“The problem was, by the time I did the Charlston, I’d got it… I was petrified up until that point,” he said, highlighting that his “sensational” partner Dianne had seen the “transition” in him.
Stefan appeared on Good Morning Britain today(Image: ITV)
Stefan became the third star who had to quit Strictly this series, after Kristian Nairn and Dani Dyer, who left on medical advice before the live shows began and were replaced by Lewis Cope and Amber Davies, respectively. La Voix also later pulled out after missing Blackpool Week.
It Takes Two host Fleur East revealed Stefan’s exit on the Strictly spin-off show, reading a statement: “This Morning, I woke up to the most disappointing day of my 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.
The Aussie actor was partnered with Dianne Buswell this series(Image: BBC/Guy Levy)
“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!”
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX. Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
