What's happened
Stefan Dennis, known for Neighbours, has had to leave Strictly Come Dancing series 23 due to a calf injury. He announced his withdrawal on social media after suffering a significant tear, ending his dance journey prematurely. The show’s producers expressed their disappointment and hope for his recovery.
What's behind the headline?
The withdrawal of Stefan Dennis underscores the physical toll of competitive dance shows like Strictly. Dennis’s injury, a significant calf tear, reveals the risks involved even for seasoned performers. His departure, along with others like Dani Dyer and Kristian Nairn, indicates a pattern of injuries impacting the show's lineup. This raises questions about the show's safety protocols and the pressure on celebrities to perform at high levels. Dennis’s public expression of disappointment and gratitude highlights the emotional investment of participants, but also the potential for injuries to cut short their aspirations. Moving forward, the show may need to reassess its training and injury prevention strategies to protect its stars and maintain audience engagement.
What the papers say
The Scotsman reports Stefan Dennis’s withdrawal due to a calf tear, emphasizing his disappointment and the support from the production team. The Independent provides context on his previous illness and his partnership with Dianne Buswell, highlighting the emotional aspect of his early exit. Both sources agree on the injury’s severity and the impact on his participation, with The Scotsman noting the pattern of withdrawals this season. The coverage reflects a shared concern about the physical demands of the show and the emotional toll on celebrities, with quotes from Dennis and Buswell illustrating their disappointment and support.
How we got here
Stefan Dennis, 66, joined Strictly Come Dancing this season, paired with Dianne Buswell. He previously missed a week due to illness but returned to perform. His participation was notable as he aimed to fulfill a long-held dream of dancing with his wife. His departure follows other stars’ withdrawals due to injuries, highlighting the physical demands of the show.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Stefan Dennis is an Australian actor and singer best known for playing the role of cold-hearted and ruthless businessman Paul Robinson in the soap opera Neighbours from its first episode in March 1985 to the present day.
-
Dianne Claire Buswell is an Australian professional dancer and YouTuber. She is best known for her appearances on the British television show Strictly Come Dancing.
-
Strictly Come Dancing returned for its twelfth series beginning from 7 September 2014 with a launch show, with the live shows starting on 26 and 27 September.