Strictly Come Dancing professional Dianne Buswell has dismissed speculation that her partner Stefan Dennis’ withdrawal from the show was pre-planned.
The Neighbours actor, best known for playing villain Paul Robinson, was forced to quit the competition after tearing his calf muscle.
Buswell, who is expecting her first child with YouTuber Joe Sugg, addressed the rumours head-on after a fan suggested online that the decision had been made in advance to “keep her and the baby safe.”
Taking to Instagram Stories, the 36-year-old dancer shared a screenshot of the fan’s comment, which read: “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 thought.”
Addressing the claim, Buswell penned: “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 on and so forth. In fact I have more energy this year than I did this time last year.”
The Strictly star then urged fans to stop speculating about the exit, saying: “Please respect Stefan who is extremely gutted to not be able to dance and stop presuming this was a set up! Because believe me we would if we could!”
Following the announcement, Buswell posted a heartfelt video of the pair walking out onto the Strictly ballroom floor for what would be their final dance.
In the caption, she paid tribute to Dennis, writing: “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.”
Buswell added that it was a “privilege” to dance with the soap legend, whom she described as “the kindest human I have ever worked with.”
She ended her tribute on a lighthearted note: “I can always say I got to dance with the iconic Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis — or as my dad calls ya, Paul Robertson.”
In social media post on Monday Dennis announced he was “devastated” as his time on the show had come to an end.
He said: “This morning I woke up to the most disappointing day of my time in my Strictly journey.
“Just when I had finally gained the confidence to do well with my dancing in the competition 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 (Buswell) and myself.”
He added: “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).”
