Strictly star says 'it's so disappointing' as she weighs in on Stefan Dennis exit
Stefan Dennis was forced to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing after suffering a 'significant' injury
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Sally Nugent has shared her thoughts on Stefan Dennis' sudden departure, confessing "it's so disappointing".
Stefan was forced to pull out of the BBC dancing competition due to a 'significant' injury, which was announced on Monday evening (October 20).
The Neighbours legend, famous for his role as Paul Robinson on the soap, had been partnered with Australian professional dancer Dianne Buswell.
During Tuesday's (October 21) instalment of BBC Breakfast, Sally appeared on our screens alongside co-host Ben Thompson as they delivered the morning's top stories.
It wasn't long before conversation shifted to Stefan and Dianne's Strictly departure, reports the Express.
Sally, who took part in the Strictly Christmas special in 2023 with professional dance partner Graziano Di Prima, began by stating: "The actor Stefan Dennis has pulled out of this year's Strictly Come Dancing."
She went on: "The Neighbours star was told after Saturday night's show, that he'd torn his calf muscle so severely that he would need to withdraw."
Footage of Stefan and Dianne from the programme then appeared as Ben added: "You see there, partnered with Australian Dianne Buswell, who is the first professional dancer to take part in the show while pregnant."
The camera then returned to the studio and Sally confessed: "It's so disappointing because I know there are a lot of people who wanted to see him do really well."
Ben chimed in: "There is a lot of work that goes into it." Sally went on: "They have been working for months but that training regime is gruelling, you can't do it with an injury."
Stefan has now become the third celebrity to withdraw from the series this year, with Amber Davies stepping in for Dani Dyer following her ankle fracture.
Emmerdale's Lewis Cope has taken over from Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn, who was battling 'a high level of stress and a little bit of grief'.
Dianne has now spoken out following her withdrawal from the programme. The professional dancer, who is expecting her first baby with Joe Sugg, posted on Instagram moments after the announcement to praise Stefan for his efforts over recent weeks.
Sharing a heart warming clip of the duo, Dianne penned: "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."
She continued: "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."
BBC Breakfast airs everyday from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer Strictly Come Dancing returns Saturday at 6.55pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.