BBC's Strictly Come Dancing is back on UK TV screens for its 21st series and, after two amazing weeks of dancing thus far, the competition is perhaps harder to call than ever. The first week introduced us to our new couples while the second really showed us what they are capable of - yes, somehow Week 2 was even stronger than its predecessor.
The highest-scoring couple last week was Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe, who both really stepped forward as frontrunners in the competition, while Amber Davies ans Nikita Kuzmin topped the combined Leaderboard for Weeks 1 and 2. And now, the Movies Week special is upon us as the remaining couples take to the Dancefloor once again with movie-inspired routines.
However, there will be one couple absent from the Week 3 red carpet.
Stefan and Dianne will miss Strictly this week due to sickness
If you've noticed that Stefan Dennis and Dianne Buswell aren't on the Strictly dancefloor tonight that's down to the fact that they won't be dancing in Week 3's special Movies Week spectacular. Stefan has unfortunately been dealing with sickness ove rthe past few days and has been advised by doctors to rest. As a result - and in line with Strictly protocol - he and Dianne will be given a bye through to Week 4 where they will hopefully return to dance again.
The announcement was made during BBC Two's spinoff series Strictly: It Takes Two via a statement that read:
"Due to illness over the past few days. Stefan Dennis has been advised by doctors 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."
The official bbcstrictly Instagram account then shared the statement where countless fans flocked to send their well-wishes to the Neighbours legend and his dance partner.
Dennis was scheduled to dance the Waltz on Strictly's Movies Week special to "It Is You (I Would Have Loved)" from Shrek. It's unclear if he will still perform a variation of the Waltz in Week 4 or if the couple will just move onto a different dance.
In the past, Strictly has given a bye to couples for illness or injury. It was slightly more regular during the pandemic when contestants such as Kym Marsh or Judi Love were allowed to skip one week and return the week after that. In the rare occasion that a participant hasn't recovered for the next week, they have pulled out of the competition altogether.
Dennis and Buswell have enjoyed a successful run on Strictly thus far, with a well-received Foxtrot to the legendary Neighbours theme in Week 1 and an enjoyable Cha Cha to "Give It Up" by KC & The Sunshine Band in Week 2. Here's hoping that they are able to pick up where they left off in Week 4, as we send Stefan all the well-wishes in the world!