BBC Strictly Come Dancing announces River City star as 12th contestant to join line up
Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis is the 12th celebrity joining the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. After announcements earlier today (Thursday) confirming the ninth and 10th stars who are set to take to the BBC ballroom later this year - Thomas Skinner and Vicky Pattison - the Paul Robinson icon was added to the mix this afternoon.
Stefan is an actor best known for playing the fan favourite Erinsborough stalwart in the longest running drama series in Australian television history. He created the role for the first episode in 1985 and appeared in over 6,000 episodes during the 40 years that the show was on air.
Prior to joining Neighbours, Stefan worked extensively on Australian television, with roles on numerous shows such as Prisoner, The Henderson Kids, The Sullivans, Young Doctors and Sons and Daughters, to name a few.
He has also appeared in The Bill, Dream Team and Casualty as well as starring in the West End musical Blood Brothers.
From 2002-2003, Stefan appeared in Scotland's own soap River City, where he played evil Dr Marcus Mackenzie, who ended up being stabbed to death by a woman he tried to attack.
On joining Strictly, Stefan said: 'This is an opportunity for me to once again learn to step out of my comfort zone in the world of television. Looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky.'
After months of speculation, the official line-up announcements kicked off on Monday, with Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey being the first name revealed. The news that Stefan has signed up was revealed on ITV's This Morning earlier today.
Love Island champion Dani Dyer will also take part, as well as Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston, footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and YouTube star George Clarke. Drag Race star La Voix, rugby player Chris Robshaw, and trailblazing model Ellie Goldstein were added to the much anticipated new cast list on Thursday.
The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner and former ITV I'm A Celebrity Queen of the Jungle Vicky Pattison were also announced earlier today (Thursday).
Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton du Beke and Shirley Ballas are all set to return for 2025 alongside hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer in September.
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