Dianne Buswell breaks silence as she's forced to quit Strictly 2025

Dianne Buswell has broken her silence with an emotional statement after being forced to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing 2025. Her celebrity partner Stefan Dennis has sustained an injury which means he is unable to go any further in the BBC competition, leaving Dianne without a partner. Now she has said she's "so sorry" in a post on Instagram.

Dianne wrote: "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. 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 Robinson."

She concluded: "Can't wait for you to send me the video of you and Gail dancing together!"

Dianne's co-stars rushed to commiserate with her, with James Jordan penning: "What a shame, gutted for you both. I felt he was just scratching the surface and knew you would get it out of him. Sending love to you both."

Her partner Joe Sugg left two love heart emojis on the post, while Amber Davies wrote: "The best duo. Heart's broken for you both. What a team."

Stefan, meanwhile, issued a statement which read: "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)

"Fun fact for all the avid Neighbours fans... it's the same leg!"