Stefan Dennis pulls out of Strictly Come Dancing live show due to illness

Strictly Come Dancing have announced that Neighbours star Stefan Denniswill not be dancing this weekend due to illness.

Taking to their official Instagram page, the BBC show penned: "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 lines 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."

Commenting on the post, Stefan's dance partner Dianne Buswell, who is expecting her first baby with partner Joe Sugg, commented: "Sending all my Aussie love steffo. I know how much you wanted to dance!"

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Judge Motsi Mabuse also sent her well wishes in the comments, as she wrote: "Get well soon."

Stefan's withdrawal means the duo will miss out on performing during Movie Week, but as mentioned above, hope to be back next week.

The two survived the first dance off last week, which saw former Apprentice star Thomas Skinner become the first ballroom casualty as he and his partner Amy Dowdenwere the first to be eliminated.

The news was also shared by Janette Manrara on Friday night's It Takes Two as she sent Stefan her love, and said she hoped to see him back on the dancefloor next week.

Stefan received a mixed reaction for his routine last week as he and Dianne performed the Cha Cha Cha.

He had told the judges he was "petrified" before taking to the stage, explaining how the routine had "stumped him". And it appeared those nerves may have continued as he left the stage.

As he climbed the steps there was panic as he misplaced his footing and tripped up the stairs. A panicky Dianne caught him and exclaimed: "Golly gosh. Be careful, be careful." Thankfully, he was left unharmed by the stumble.

The judges awarded the pair a total score of 17, which received a round of applause from the rest of the cast.

Before the live shows, Dianne announced she was expecting her first child, a boy, with YouTuber and former Strictly celebrity partner Joe Sugg.

Of course, the Strictly gang couldn't start the series without celebrating, as Claudia and the group surprised the dancer with a live baby shower after her and Stefan's first ever dance together.

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