The BBC said the star will be ‘sorely missed’

The BBC has announced that Stefan Dennis has left Strictly Come Dancing due to an injury.

In a post on social media, BBC Strictly said: “Sadly due to an injury Stefan Dennis is leaving Strictly. 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 Strictly family.

“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 Strictly family.”

Mr Dennis says: “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 on Saturday that 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!”

Stefan Dennis has been forced to withdraw with a torn calf

 | BBC

The Neighbours actor was previously unable to perform on October 11 due to illness.

Executive Producer of BBC Studios Sarah James said: “We’ve adored having Stefan on Strictly Come Dancing, and are heartbroken that his Strictly journey – and his fantastic partnership with Dianne Buswell – has been cut short.

“It’s been a joy to see him embrace the series with such enthusiasm, and we really hope that, once better, he will keep dancing.”

Mr Dennis and Miss Buswell will be interviewed on Strictly: It Takes Two on Wednesday to discuss their journey on the show.

The BBC said that next week’s show will continue with 11 couples.

Mr Dennis and Miss Buswell performed an energetic Charleston over the weekend, earning them their highest score of 26.

The pair were seen jumping with jubilation in reaction to the score, after performing to Dance Money by Tones and I.

Mr Dennis was previously ordered to rest by doctors before the October 10 show, as he pulled out with illness.

Stefan Dennis had to withdraw from a previous show due to illness

 | BBC

The BBC previously stated: “Due to illness over the past few days, Stefan Dennis has been advised by doctors 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.”

Over the weekend, former England rugby player Chris Robshaw was eliminated from the show, defeated in the dance-off by EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal and her dance partner Julian Caillon.

The 39-year-old and his partner Nadiya Bychkova exited this year’s show, with Mr Robshaw saying: “I’ve loved it, I’ve had an amazing partner, for me, coming onto this journey, I had no confidence.

“To be told I had world-class qualities on the dancefloor today, even though we have to go home, that’s amazing to hear, so thank you very much. It’s given me such confidence.”