Strictly's Stefan Dennis opens up about family tragedy that haunts him ahead of dance floor debut

Stefan Dennis has revealed a devastating family tragedy from his childhood that he says still affects him today. The Neighbours icon, 66, is preparing for his dance floor debut on Strictly Come Dancing this Saturday, a career that has spanned decades since Neighbours began in 1985.

Dennis spoke with The Guardian about the loss of his older brother, John, who was killed by a drunk driver when he was 12. He described the tragedy as having lasting repercussions on his family and noted that the event continues to affect him decades later. He also told News Corp that becoming a father has given him a new perspective on the grief his mother endured.

He said that thoughts of John have grown more frequent as he looks at his teenage son, Cameron, and he acknowledged the dangers of drink- and drug-impaired driving, noting that the car involved in his brother’s death was traveling at about 30 km/h.

With Strictly Come Dancing scheduled to air at 6:55 p.m. on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday, Sept. 27, the show is under close scrutiny as it handles a high-profile lineup that includes the long-running soap icon alongside partner Dianne Buswell, who is pregnant with Joe Sugg’s child and due in early 2026. Production has reportedly considered contingency plans to ensure the competition can proceed if Buswell requires time away due to the pregnancy, with back-up pros ready to step in if needed and welfare teams monitoring health and well-being throughout the run.

Earlier this week, Dennis and Buswell were photographed taking a break from rehearsals, with Buswell dressed in a dark outfit and Dennis in casual athletic wear as they stopped briefly to rest and refresh ahead of their first live show. The moment underscored the intense pace of training as the competition approaches.

The program’s executives have emphasized that the show must go on while prioritizing the health and safety of all contestants. The entertainment world is watching as producers balance personal histories with a demanding broadcast schedule, highlighting how culture and entertainment intersect with real-life events.