Fans of the show have taken to social media to beg the Strictly team to bring back one contestant

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Dianne and Stefan were forced to pull out of the show following the Neighbours star’s injury(Image: BBC/Guy Levy)

Strictly Come Dancing fans have issued a plea to the BBC following Stefan Dennis and Dianne Buswell’s departure from the programme. The Neighbours icon, famed for his portrayal of Paul Robinson, and the Australian professional dancer were affectionately dubbed ‘Team Aussie’ by their supporters.

Stefan and Dianne had previously sat out movie week due to the actor’s illness, but were granted safe passage to the fourth week. Within a day of Stefan and Dianne securing their place in icons week, Stefan issued a statement confirming their Strictly adventure had concluded.

Performing the Charleston on Saturday evening (October 18), the pair earned 26 points from a potential 40 for their performance, marking their strongest score in the competition to date. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter.

In a statement, Stefan said: “This morning I woke up to the most disappointing day of the time in my Strictly journey. Just when I had finally gained the confidence to do well with my dancing in the comp and achieve more great dances along the way, I was told that on Saturday 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.”

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Shortly after the announcement broke, Dianne, who has become the first expectant mother to participate in Strictly, posted her own message on Instagram, featuring footage of her and Stefan taking their final bow on the dance floor.

She said: “Stefo I’m so sorry our strictly journey was cut short just as that confidence was starting to grow. But you can walk away with your head held high.

“You can go home to your wonderful wife put your hand out and say would you like to cha cha cha with me, the main reason for being on this show was to be able to dance with her and you can certainly do that now.

“You are the kindest human I have ever worked with and I can always say I got to dance with the iconic neighbours legend Stefan Dennis, or as my dad calls ya, Paul Robertson. Can’t wait for you to send me the video of you and Gail dancing together.”

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Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova were eliminated from the competition on Sunday, October 19(Image: BBC)

The 2025 lineup has been reduced to merely 11 pairs following the departure of England rugby icon Chris Robshaw and partner Nadiya Bychkova during the latest dance-off elimination.

Having previously escaped elimination against Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden, Chris and Nadiya found themselves in the bottom two once more, this time facing EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal and Julian Callion.

With the panel split evenly at two votes each, Craig Revel Horwood was acting as head judge for the evening and chose to eliminate Chris and Nadiya.

However, the comments section of Strictly’s post confirming Stefan’s departure has seen fans urging the BBC to give Chris and Nadiya another shot in the show’s 23rd series.

One fan queried: “Can we get Chris and Nadia back then?”

Another expressed: “Oh no this is very disappointing. In this case please do bring Chris back!”

A third declared: “Poor Chris could have stayed.”

One fan suggested: “Chris Robshaw should return, he was most improved.”