Stefan Dennis, the veteran Australian actor best known for his four-decade portrayal of Paul Robinson on Neighbours, has been officially named as the twelfth celebrity to join the 2025 cast of Strictly Come Dancing. The announcement, made live on ITV’s This Morning on August 14, 2025, comes just after Dennis filmed his final scenes for Neighbours—a show that has shaped not only his career but also the landscape of Australian television for forty years.
“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,” Dennis declared in a statement, as reported by BBC and Daily Mail. The 66-year-old actor, who has appeared in over 6,000 episodes since originating the role in 1985, is set to take his final bow on Ramsay Street when the last episode airs on December 11, 2025. The soap, which has been axed for the third time—most recently by Amazon Freevee—remains a cultural touchstone, having launched the careers of stars like Kylie Minogue and Margot Robbie.
Dennis’ move to the dance floor is more than a career pivot; it’s a leap into the unknown. Despite his extensive television and stage experience—including roles in Prisoner, The Henderson Kids, The Sullivans, Young Doctors, Sons and Daughters, and the West End musical Blood Brothers—Dennis admits he’s no natural dancer. “Gail is a professional dancer, she’s been trying to teach me in the most frustrating way I’m sure because I’ve just been burying my head in the sand,” he confessed on This Morning, referring to his wife, Gail Easdale, who has been offering him tips as he prepares for the BBC competition. In a light-hearted moment, Dennis accidentally referred to the show as ‘Strictly Ballroom’—a slip quickly corrected by host Emma Willis, but one that underscored his nerves and excitement.
While Dennis has been watching the Australian version, Dancing With The Stars, to get a feel for the format, he’s well aware of the British show’s massive reach. “I have become more and more aware of that as the journey continues on, we have an Australian version and that’s the only one I’ve been able to look at, but every day I’m more aware of how huge it is! The nightly audience is phenomenal,” he told viewers, as quoted by Daily Mail.
His journey to Strictly comes at a poignant moment. After Neighbours was picked up by Amazon two and a half years ago following its previous cancellation, the soap found itself in the unprecedented position of being axed for a third time. “It’s the only TV show in the world that’s been axed three times,” Dennis remarked, noting that his final scenes will be broadcast at the end of the year. He joked, “People are going to get sick of me because not only am I going to be doing Strictly but also Neighbours is on until the end of the year!”
Reflecting on his long tenure in the soap world, Dennis has repeatedly expressed gratitude for the opportunities Neighbours afforded him. “I never thought a single show would give me the greatest adventures of my career, spanning 40 years,” he once said, according to Daily Mail. The actor’s willingness to embrace new challenges—whether on the set of a beloved soap or the polished floor of a dance competition—has defined his career.
Stefan Dennis isn’t the only household name stepping onto the Strictly stage this year. The announcement of his participation followed hot on the heels of other high-profile reveals, including Vicky Pattison, Thomas Skinner, and Ellie Goldstein. Pattison, known for her reality TV stints on Geordie Shore and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, confessed, “I am a not a natural dancer! However, it’s such an amazing opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone and to challenge myself in a completely new way and I just really hope I don’t make too much of a fool of myself!” Skinner, famed for his appearance on The Apprentice, brought his signature enthusiasm, declaring, “I’ve never danced in my life (other than at weddings) but I’m ready to graft and of course have a laugh. Bring on the sequins, sambas and, most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!”
Ellie Goldstein, a model and influencer who made history as the first model with Down syndrome to grace the cover of British Vogue, is also set to dazzle. “I know it’s going to be challenging, but I’m ready to do it with the glitter and glamour and make some magic on that dancefloor. Let the Strictly journey begin!” she exclaimed, according to Daily Mail. Goldstein’s presence on the show is a testament to Strictly’s ongoing efforts to celebrate diversity and inclusivity.
The line-up is rounded out by a vibrant mix of personalities: drag performer La Voix, rugby player Chris Robshaw, YouTuber George Clarke, EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, Love Island winner Dani Dyer, Doctor Who star Alex Kingston, football legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, and Olympian Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. Each brings their own unique flavor and fan base, promising a series packed with surprises, missteps, and—hopefully—some show-stopping routines.
Yet, the glitter of Strictly Come Dancing hasn’t been without its share of controversy. In the lead-up to the new season, the BBC has faced allegations of drug use and inappropriate behavior among cast and crew, prompting the broadcaster to reiterate its commitment to clear protocols and thorough investigations. While no specific names have been released, the BBC stated, “We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us. We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns.” These issues, alongside recent high-profile incidents involving other BBC programs, have kept the network in the headlines for reasons beyond the dance floor.
Despite the challenges and the nerves, the anticipation for Strictly Come Dancing’s return is palpable. The new series is set to kick off in September 2025 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with fans eager to see how Dennis and his fellow celebrities fare under the glittering lights. For Dennis, it’s a new chapter—one that promises, in his own words, “sparkle” and a chance to “reach for the sky.”
With a cast this diverse and a show this beloved, the countdown to the first dance is on, and the only certainty is that viewers are in for a season to remember.
