Strictly's Dianne Buswell slams 'set up' claims after dance partner Stefan Dennis exits show early
Strictly Come Dancing pro dancer Dianne Buswell has hit back at claims her partner Stefan Dennis' early exit from the BBC One show was part of a planned "set up", amid her pregnancy, and she called for people to "respect" the Neighbours actor after he pulled out of the show with an injury.
Strictly Come Dancing's Dianne Buswell has slammed claims her dance partner Stefan Dennis' early exit from the show was part of a planned "set up".
Neighbours star Stefan was forced to withdraw from the BBC One show this week after tearing a calf muscle, but some trolls have claimed he and Dianne planned to exit the competition early amid her pregnancy.
The 36-year-old professional dancer - who is expecting her first child with her boyfriend and former Strictly partner Joe Sugg - shared one reaction from a Strictly viewer on her Instagram Stories.
It 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 thoughts. (sic)"
But a furious Dianne hit back, calling for people to "respect Stefan".
She wrote: "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 admitted he was "devastated" to be leaving the show so early.
He said in a statement: "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)."
Stefan was forced to miss Movie Week due to illness, and he only resumed training last week before progressing in last Sunday's (19.10.25) episode.
