Pregnant Dianne Buswell explodes with rage at Stefan Dennis exit claims
Strictly Come Dancing professional Dianne Buswell has hit back at claims she and her dance partner Stefan Dennis planned to leave the BBC One show early
Strictly Come Dancing's Dianne Buswell has furiously hit back at claims her dance partner Stefan Dennis' early departure from the programme was part of a deliberate "set up".
Neighbours actor Stefan was forced to pull out of the BBC programme this week after revealing he had torn a muscle in his calf, but some online critics have alleged he and Dianne had planned an early exit from the contest due to her pregnancy.
The 36 year old professional dancer - who is expecting her first baby with her partner and former Strictly contestant Joe Sugg - posted one response from a Strictly viewer on her Instagram Stories.
It stated: "To be honest I saw this coming, Diane couldn't really continue especially when she gets bigger, bless her. She's a brilliant dancer and she is one of my favourites sorry to say but I think this was planned to keep her and baby safe, just my thoughts. (sic)".
However, an engrafed Dianne fired back, urging people to "respect Stefan". She posted: "I sound like a broken record but I'm seeing a bit of this floating around again! I know people say ignore it but actually why should I.
"I will speak up... I would love nothing more than to keep dancing this week next week the week after that so so on and so forth. In fact I have more energy this year than I did this time last year.
"Please respect Stefan who is extreamly gutted to not be able to dance and stop presuming this was a set up! because believe me we would if we could! . (sic)".
Earlier this week, Stefan explained that he was "devastated" to be departing the programme so early on. He said in a statement on Monday: "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)."
Responding to the statement on social media, Dianne said: "Thanks for being the best partner to both of us. We love ya stefo." Strictly stars instantly rushed to share their heartache following the news, with Lauren Oakley penning: "Gutted for you both. Get well soon & lots of love." Gorka Marquez added two crying emojis.
Meanwhile, Kauren Hauer said: "Oh no. So sad. Sending all the love and get well soon." Amy Dowden commented: "So gutted for you both. Sending all my love and well wishes xxxx."
Stefan had previously been forced to sit out Movie Week after falling ill, and had only returned to rehearsals last week before making it through in last Sunday's (19.10. 25) episode.
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