Strictly star Stefan Dennis' wife details 'frantic call' after health scare

Strictly Come Dancing's Stefan Dennis' wife has opened up about a "frantic call" she received following a health scare he had last year. The Neighbours actor, 66, and his dance partner Dianne Buswell have had to withdraw from Strictly this week due to illness.

Stefan was scheduled to hit the dance floor for the third live show, with guest mentor Cynthia Erivo making an appearance for Movie Week, but only 13 celebrities performed tonight, with Stefan's absence noted. The BBC released a statement earlier this week, saying: "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."

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Stefan also took to social media to say: "A huge cheers and thanks to everyone who has been supporting myself and Dianne. So sorry to disappoint for tomorrow night but I expect to be back on deck with a full recovery and a rip roaring dance next week to makeup", reports Wales Online.

Following his post, his wife Gail expressed her support for Stefan, and disclosed a health scare he experienced last year. She wrote: "A year ago, almost to the day, I got a frantic call from @neighbours, saying that Stefan was being rushed to emergency.

"Then this week ... a frantic call came again. Thankfully he will be ok but I know he will be so sad and extremely disappointed that he can't perform this week on @strictly.. but believe me these two moments have been the only things that have kept him from going to work! He is such a super trouper.

"So please rest up darling, your body is shouting at you again. Make sure you listen!"

Neither Gail nor Stefan have provided any additional information about his health emergency last year which resulted in him being rushed to hospital.

Meanwhile, Stefan's dance partner Dianne - who is making history as the first professional dancer taking part in the show while pregnant - also shared her support for him, and rubbished speculation about his absence being a "cover up".

She said: "Just to clarify as I have had lots of people msg me thinking this is a cover up for me not being able to dance! ? Firstly we wouldn't lie especially about someone being sick! And secondly I am fine yes I am pregnant but I'm also very capable and feeling really good! Thirdly there are things in place if any pros were to get sick or injured."

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