‘I Can’t Dance Tonight’ – Strictly Star Stefan Dennis Rushed After Mysterious Health Scare!

Strictly Come Dancing has been thrown into chaos once again as Australian actor Stefan Dennis, best known for his decades-long role in Neighbours, has been forced to pull out of this weekend’s live show after a sudden and mysterious health scare.

Just hours before the third live broadcast, BBC bosses confirmed that the 66-year-old star was “advised to rest” by doctors, leaving both fans and his dance partner Dianne Buswell devastated.

📺 A Shocking Last-Minute Decision

Sources close to the production revealed that Dennis began to feel “unwell and dizzy” during final rehearsals late Thursday evening. By Friday morning, medics reportedly told him “absolutely no dancing”, prompting a frantic behind-the-scenes reshuffle.

A Strictly spokesperson announced on Instagram:

“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.”

The BBC also confirmed that Stefan’s absence will not lead to disqualification — but fans are worried it could impact his momentum on the competition.

❤️ Dianne’s Heartfelt Message

His partner, professional dancer Dianne Buswell, took to Instagram with an emotional post:

“Sending Aussie love to the wonderful @stefandennis7. You are such a trooper and I know how much you wanted to dance. Hopefully we’ll be back in full force next week.”

The red-haired Strictly favourite, known for her vibrant personality and infectious positivity, is said to be “heartbroken” that their Movie Week Charleston routine — set to A Little Party Never Killed Nobody from The Great Gatsby — will not hit the ballroom floor this weekend.

🎬 Movie Week Chaos

The timing of Stefan’s illness could not have been worse. Movie Week is one of the most anticipated themed episodes of the Strictly season — with dancers preparing tributes to Barbie, The Lion King, Miss Congeniality and The Mask of Zorro.

A Strictly insider told The Sun:

“It’s absolute chaos in the studio. Movie Week is a massive production — everyone’s in costume fittings, camera rehearsals, the orchestra is timed to the second — so losing a couple this late is a logistical nightmare.”

They added:

“Dianne was gutted. She and Stefan had been putting in long hours this week. Everyone’s crossing fingers that he bounces back soon.”

😢 Fans in Panic

Fans flooded social media with messages of support — and concern.
One viewer wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

“First Dani Dyer, now Stefan Dennis! Is Strictly cursed this year?”

Another posted:

“Hope Stefan’s okay — we were all looking forward to seeing his Gatsby routine!”

Indeed, Stefan’s health scare is only the latest in a string of setbacks that have plagued the 2025 series.

⚠️ A String of Misfortune

Just weeks earlier, Love Island star Dani Dyer was forced to withdraw from the show after fracturing her ankle in rehearsals. She was swiftly replaced by West End performer Amber Davies, who debuted in Week One with partner Nikita Kuzmin.

Meanwhile, Vicky Pattison also sparked concern when she missed an episode of spin-off show It Takes Two earlier this week, prompting false rumours she had quit the competition. She later clarified that both she and her partner Kai Widdrington had simply been unwell.

💬 BBC Faces Questions

The BBC is yet to clarify the nature of Stefan’s illness, fuelling speculation among fans. Some claim he may have caught a viral infection spreading among crew members; others believe exhaustion could be to blame after “gruelling rehearsals” leading up to Movie Week.

One source close to the set told Daily Express:

“He’s been working incredibly hard — long days, lots of pressure. It’s not unusual for celebs to hit a wall around Week Three. But everyone’s keeping a close eye on him.”

🩺 “I Can’t Dance Tonight”

According to a backstage witness, Stefan reportedly uttered the words, “I can’t dance tonight”, shortly after being checked by the show’s medical team.

“He looked pale and tired,” the source said. “He tried to push through but eventually admitted he couldn’t perform safely.”

Producers are said to have acted immediately, clearing his rehearsal schedule and ensuring he received medical care.

💫 Hopes for a Comeback

Despite the setback, there’s optimism that Stefan and Dianne will return next week stronger than ever.
Buswell reportedly told friends she was already working on adapting choreography to “ease him back in gently.”

Strictly fans are now eagerly awaiting confirmation that the Aussie soap star will be well enough to rejoin the glittering ballroom next weekend.

“He’s a fighter,” one fan wrote. “If anyone can come back from this, it’s Stefan.”

🕯️ For Now, Rest Comes First

As the BBC rally behind him, one message remains clear — health comes first.
With cameras ready to roll for Movie Week, the ballroom will sparkle — but one familiar face will be missing under the glitterball lights.

For Dianne Buswell and Stefan Dennis, the show may be on pause — but the story is far from over.