Strictly Stefan Dennis’ secret health emergency as wife reveals hospital dash

Strictly Come Dancing star Stefan Dennis’ wife has revealed he was rushed to hospital last year after falling ill

Stefan Dennis’ wife, Gail, has opened up about a private health scare the Neighbours star faced last year. The actress, 52, shared her support for her husband after he was forced to withdraw from this week’s Strictly Come Dancing due to illness. Stefan, 66, and his professional dance partner, Dianne Buswell, will automatically progress to next week’s show, with hopes that he will be well enough to return to the dancefloor.

Taking to Instagram, Gail revealed that it had been exactly a year since Stefan was rushed to hospital. Sharing a black-and-white photo of the couple, she wrote: “Get well soon, darling. Wish I was there to pamper you.” In the caption, she penned: “A year ago, almost to the day, I got a frantic call from @neighbours, saying that Stefan was being rushed to emergency. Then this week … a frantic call came again.

“Thankfully he will be ok but I know he will be so sad and extremely disappointed that he can’t perform this week on @strictly.. but believe me these two moments have been the only things that have kept him from going to work! He is such a super trouper.

“So please rest up darling, your body is shouting at you again. Make sure you listen!”

On Saturday morning, Dianne, 36, hit back at claims the pair were forced to withdraw because she is unable to dance. The Australian professional is currently expecting her first child with Joe Sugg.

Despite the BBC confirming that Stefan’s absence was due to illness, some viewers remained unconvinced, speculating it was a “cover-up” and that the real reason was Dianne being unfit to take part.

She wrote: “Just to clarify as I have had lots of people msg me thinking this is a cover up for me being not able to dance!?”

She also clarified that there are protocols in place for situations involving the professionals’ health, adding: “Thirdly there are things in place if any pro were to get sick or injured.”

Stefan’s withdrawal was announced on Friday. A BBC spokesperson said: “Due to illness over the past few days, Stefan Dennis has been advised to rest and, as a result, he will not dance this weekend.

“In line with the rules of Strictly, Stefan and Dianne will receive a bye through to next week when they will hopefully be able to dance again.”