Strictly Come Dancing's Stefan Dennis' little-known marriage to famous co-star
Strictly Come Dancing contestant Stefan Dennis has been in the public eye for decades, but what do we know about his personal life? Here we take a look at his famous exes and family tragedy
Strictly Come Dancing's Stefan Dennis has had a remarkable career spanning several decades.
The 66 year old is best known for his role as the ruthless businessman Paul Robinson in the much-loved Australian soap Neighbours, having been part of the cast since its inaugural episode.
In 1992, he left the show to pursue other opportunities, which included theatre productions, a role as Doctor Marcus McKenzie in the Scottish soap River City, and guest spots on The Bill and Casualty, before making a triumphant return to Neighbours in 2004.
He also dabbled in music, reaching Number 16 in the UK Singles Chart in 1989 with his track 'Don't It Make You Feel Good', while his follow-up single, 'This Love Affair', made it to No. 67 in the UK charts later that same year, reports Wales Online.
But what about his life away from the limelight?
Let's delve into the devastating family tragedy that still haunts him, his romantic past with famous partners, and his marriage to Gail, who also starred alongside him in Neighbours.
Stefan Dennis' devastating family tragedy
Stefan's younger brother John tragically died in a collision with a drunk driver at just 12 years old while cycling.
The star has frequently spoken about the tragic incident and its profound impact on his family in an effort to raise awareness about road safety across Australia.
In a previous interview with News Corp, he revealed: "The man who killed my brother was going just 30km/h. That's all it took."
Stefan disclosed the driver received a paltry AUD$50 fine for the incident, highlighting that a motorist who killed a koala that same weekend was fined "something like five times that" because they are a protected species.
Stefan has turned to social media to campaign for road safety changes, explaining how his brother's death affects him more profoundly now as an adult.
In a previous Twitter post, he wrote: "The police/gov should stop raising money on speed and start concentrating people's inability to drive correctly. Melb drivers are shameful!".
"2 of biggest causes of crashes on motorways - tailgating and incorrect mirror position. Never heard of anyone being booked for either.
"This happened decades and decades ago for me, but it still affects me. I'm more affected today than I was back then, because I was only a little kid then."
Stefan Dennis' incredibly famous ex
Stefan has been romantically connected with several other public figures - including a very well-known Aussie singer.
His first marriage was to model and The Price Is Right hostess Roz Roy, whom he met when they were teenagers. They were married from 1979 to 1989.
Whilst appearing on Neighbours, he dated co-star Gayle Blakeney, who played Christina Alessi, and enjoyed a secret romance with Torn singer Natalie Imbruglia during her time on the soap. Stefan Dennis, famed for his role in Neighbours, has revealed that his 1990s romance with Natalie was a "well-kept secret", according to Stellar Magazine.
The pair found mutual attraction after meeting on set.
Stefan Dennis' marriage to Neighbours co star
Stefan, who is known for his role in Neighbours, tied the knot with co-star Gail Easdale in 2000. Gail played his business rival Julie Quill on the show in 2016 and reprised her role in 2021.
The couple are proud parents to three children - Cameron, Declan and Darci.
Their love story began when they met during a pantomime performance in London. However, it took several years for them to become an item as Stefan was then involved with Gayle Blakeney, who portrayed his second wife Christina in Neighbours.
In a chat with the Herald Sun, Stefan confessed: "I told Gail that I was attracted to her, but nothing could happen because I was still in a relationship, so we became the best of friends instead. We were inseparable."
Reflecting on his feelings for Gail, he admitted: "I pretty much fell in love with her the minute she got off the plane."
Gail chimed in: "We were best friends for many years before we realised we were actually seriously in love with each other."
She believes falling in love with your best friend is wonderful because "It's a great thing to fall in love with your best friend because nobody plays games."
Adding to this, she showered praise on Stefan, saying: "Stefan is kind and patient. He's wonderful with the children. And he's humble."