Stefan Dennis is forced to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing

Stefan Dennis has been forced to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing after suffering a calf injury, the BBC announced on their social media on Monday.

The Neighbours actor, 66, said he is 'devastated' to have to pull out of the show after 'finally gaining confidence' in the competition.

Despite the setback, Stefan appeared cheery on the red carpet at the Pride Of Britain awards on Monday night. 

Last weekend, Stefan and pregnant pro partner Dianne Buswell came back fighting after he pulled out of the show due to an illness.

Of his departure, Stefan wrote: '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 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.

'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! [laughing face emoji]' 

The post read: 'Sadly due to an injury Stefan Dennis is leaving. We have loved watching Stefan and Dianne create magic on the dance floor with their Team Aussie energy. He will be sorely missed by the entire family. ❤️'

Following the news of Stefan's departure, his partner Dianne wrote: '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 Robertson ❤️

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

Stefan is the third star to quit Strictly, following Dani Dyer and Kristian Nairn who were forced to pull out.

Dani, 29, one of the show's favourites, had to bow out, after fracturing her ankle during a training rehearsal.

Kristian quit the series before it began citing medical reasons.

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Pregnant Dianne Buswell shuts down rumours after her and Stefan Dennis' pulled out of Strictly

Earlier this month, pregnant Dianne was forced to shut down rumours that the real reason for her and Stefan pulling out of Strictly is because she is unable to dance.

The professional dancer, 36, announced she is expecting her first child with partner Joe Sugg last month, making her the first star to ever compete in the show while pregnant.

Dianne rushed to Instagram to squash rumours his illness has been used as a 'cover up' for her being unable to dance.

She penned: 'Just to clarify as I have had lots of people msg me thinking this is a cover up for me being not able to dance!?

'Firstly we wouldn't lie especially about somebody being sick! And secondly I am fine, yes I am pregnant but I'm also very capable and feeling really good!'

She also explained that there are protocols in place regarding the professionals' sickness as she added: 'Thirdly there are things in place if any pro were to get sick or injured'.

This has been seen in previous years on the show, for example last year Lauren Oakley filled in for Amy Dowden with JB Gill after Amy had to withdraw from the competition due to injury.

A statement from Strictly, two weeks ago, shared on Instagram read: 'Due to illness over the past few days, Stefan Dennis has been advised to rest and, as a result, he will not dance this weekend.

'In line with the rules of Strictly, Stefan and Dianne will receive a bye through to next week when they will hopefully be able to dance again.'

In the caption, they added: 'Stefan Dennis won’t be dancing on Saturday night due to illness. We wish him a speedy recovery and will hopefully see him back in the Ballroom with Dianne next week.'

Dianne took to Instagram and wished Stefan well, writing: 'Sending Aussie love to the wonderful @stefandennis7. You are such a trooper and I know how much you wanted to dance. Hopefully we will be back in full force next week.'

Dianne is said to be 'taking it at her own pace' with 'regular breaks' as she becomes the first ever Strictly professional to compete on the show while pregnant.

An insider told the Daily Mail: 'There are duty of care and welfare measures in place for everyone working on Strictly.

'As with all sessions, there will have been regular breaks and rest/warm-up periods, and the rehearsal will have been led by Dianne and tailored to the pace of her and her partner.'

Previously, The Sun claimed Diane's 'marathon Strictly Come Dancing rehearsal went on for a gruelling ten hours,' with insiders claiming that was not the case.