Stefan Dennis bravely pushed through his Charleston routine on the latest episode of Strictly Come Dancing, relying on painkillers to manage a torn calf muscle sustained during training. Despite his determination, Stefan eventually had to withdraw from the competition shortly after being saved by the public vote due to the severity of his injury.
Speaking to the Mirror at the Pride of Britain Awards, the Neighbours star expressed his disappointment over exiting the show prematurely. Stefan felt a sense of letting down his supporters and fellow contestants, emphasizing his desire to leave on his terms rather than due to injury.
The unexpected turn of events came after viewers witnessed another pair, Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova, being eliminated from the competition. Stefan, the oldest competitor this season, disclosed that he had urged producers to allow Chris to take his place but was informed that it was not possible once a contestant exits.
With the possibility of only three pairings reaching the live final in December due to consecutive exits, Stefan highlighted the uncertainty surrounding potential injuries affecting the remaining contestants. Despite maintaining his fitness through extreme sports, Stefan was unsure of when exactly he injured his calf muscle during training.
Although he managed to perform on the show with the aid of painkillers, Stefan acknowledged that complete rest was necessary for his muscle to heal properly, leading to his unfortunate departure. He commended the camaraderie and support shown by his fellow competitors throughout the series, emphasizing the sense of unity among the contestants.
Reflecting on his exit, Stefan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to dance with his wife on the show and conveyed his disappointment at having to leave prematurely. His wife, Gail Easdale, shared her distress at his extended absence due to medical advice against air travel until his recovery.
Stefan’s withdrawal came after missing week three of the competition due to a separate health issue, where he experienced vertigo. Despite the setbacks, Stefan remained appreciative of the care he received and expressed his determination to overcome the challenges he faced during his time on Strictly Come Dancing.