Stefan Dennis joined Strictly Come Dancing as a heartfelt gesture to his wife, Gail, a talented dancer he has always wanted to dance with. However, Gail has expressed concerns about the “Strictly curse” potentially affecting their 25-year marriage since Stefan’s participation in the show. Stefan, 66, reassures her and emphasizes the strength of their relationship.
Renowned for playing the egotistical womanizer Paul Robinson on Neighbours, Stefan is happily married to Gail and cherishes their family life with their three children. He attributes the success of their marriage to mutual acceptance and understanding, highlighting Gail’s beauty and charm as a daily source of joy for him.
Gail accompanied Stefan to London when he was unveiled as the 12th celebrity contestant on this year’s Strictly. While she provided him with some dance tips before returning to Australia with their daughter, Stefan eagerly anticipates discovering his dance partner’s identity. He hopes for a patient partner who can lead him through the initial stages of learning to dance.
As the oldest competitor on the show at 66, Stefan is surprised by his age distinction but remains optimistic about his abilities to keep pace with the younger contestants. Not a fan of the gym, Stefan prefers cycling and surfing for fitness but looks forward to the physical challenges of Strictly improving his overall health.
Stefan is excited about the glamorous costumes on Strictly, particularly the use of sequins. He humorously contemplates the unconventional fastening of men’s shirts between the legs to prevent them from coming untucked during performances. Additionally, he jokes about wearing a mankini on the show for fun.
Having lived in Australia, where a similar show called Dancing With The Stars airs, Stefan is unfamiliar with Strictly judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Motsi Mabuse. However, he is aware of Craig Revel Horwood’s reputation for being tough but is open to constructive criticism to enhance his dancing skills.
With Neighbours behind him, Stefan looks forward to showcasing his true self on Strictly and breaking away from his character, Paul Robinson. Excited about the diverse experiences the show offers, Stefan sees it as an opportunity to further develop his skills as an actor and performer.