Neighbours Star Joins New Season of Strictly Come Dancing

Neighbours veteran Stefan Dennis has reportedly signed up to appear on the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.

The actor, 66, has played the womanising and villainous Paul Robinson on the Australian soap for four decades, but finally wrapped up filming for the show’s final episode on Friday.

And now his time on Ramsay Street is over, he is reportedly taking the opportunity to show off his moves on the dancefloor. 

A source told The Sun: ‘Stefan is a huge character on the soap and is sure to be a hit with Strictly fans. BBC bosses are confident Stefan will bring in the ratings.

‘He has made no secret of the fact that he would love to star on Strictly and will put his all into the training.’

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Strictly Come Dancing and Stefan for comment. 

Neighbours veteran Stefan Dennis has reportedly signed up to appear on the new series of Strictly Come Dancing (pictured in October)

The actor, 66, has played the womanising and villainous Paul Robinson on the Australian soap for four decades, but finally wrapped up filming for the show’s final episode on Friday (seen on soap in 1988)

Stefan was joined by his fellow cast for an emotional last day on set on Friday at Nunawading Studios in Australia, as they filmed the soap’s finale.

He has starred on Neighbours since it first debuted in 1985, going on to leave the show in 1992, but then returning in 2004.

Expressing his gratitude for the soap that shot him to fame, he gushes that without it, he wouldn’t have met the people and lived experiences of a lifetime.

Stefan reflected: ‘I never thought a single show would give me the greatest adventures of my career, spanning 40 years.’ 

Neighbours’ impact is immeasurable and has produced household names like Kylie Minogue and Margot Robbie, to gain an unlikely cultural significance in Britain. 

The final episode is set to air on December 11, after fans have witnessed the drama be axed three times. 

Just two years ago, viewers were gearing up for what was then billed as the ‘finale’ before Amazon swooped in with a lifeline. 

Stefan’s Strictly signing comes after reports this week that Vicky Pattison had also been offered a spot on this year’s series.

He has starred on Neighbours since it first debuted in 1985, going on to leave the show in 1992, but then returning in 2004 (seen with Janet Andrewartha)

Expressing his gratitude for the soap that shot him to fame, he gushes that without it, he wouldn’t have met the people and lived experiences of a lifetime (seen with Annie Jones)

The reality TV star, 37, is said to have caught the attention of producers when she cheered on pal Pete Wicks from the audience during last year’s series – and now bosses are keen to bring her centre stage.

A source told The Sun: ‘Vicky loved watching Pete on the series and was in awe of the detail that goes into every performance.

‘She has great energy and will no doubt be a hit with the viewers. Vicky’s done plenty of reality shows but is ready to be out of her comfort zone on the dance floor.’

While last month, it was said that the BBC series was in talks with Paul C. Brunson to appear, with bosses convinced they could rely on the star not to fall victim to the show’s infamous ‘curse’.

The so-called ‘Strictly curse’ has been a tabloid staple for over a decade – rooted in the idea that taking part in the show often spells trouble for contestants’ relationships.

Now, insiders reportedly claim producers are keen to sign clean-cut relationship expert Paul, who is known for his roles on Channel 4’s hit shows Married At First Sight UK and Celebs Go Dating.

The American star, who now lives in London, is seen as a safe option – and potentially just what Strictly needs following two drama-filled series.

A source told The Sun: ‘Paul would be the ideal tonic to the dark clouds over Strictly as he’s clean-cut, very intelligent and has no scandals to worry about.

Stefan’s Strictly signing comes after reports this week that Vicky Pattison had also been offered a spot on this year’s series (pictured) 

The reality TV star, 37, is said to have caught the attention of producers when she cheered on pal Pete Wicks (seen with his partner Jowita Przystal) from the audience during last year’s series – and now bosses are keen to bring her centre stage

While last month, it was said that the BBC series was in talks with Paul C. Brunson to appear, with bosses convinced they could rely on the star not to fall victim to the show’s infamous ‘curse’ (seen in 2023) 

‘They are now in discussion but he’s met with producers a number of times. Everyone is hoping he’ll sign on the dotted line and is keen to make it happen.’

Gladiators star Nitro has also been rumoured to have signed up for this year’s show after ‘impressing’ BBC producers on the Christmas special.

The superhuman, 36, took part in last year’s festive edition and was paired with professional dancer Nancy Xu.

And now Nitro, whose real name is Harry Aikines Aryeetey, has reportedly agreed to appear on the regular series this autumn.

A show insider told The Sun how the ex-Olympian had been on bosses’ wish list for some time now.

The said: ‘Bosses have been desperate to get Nitro on the series for a while. They were in talks last year but couldn’t get the timings to marry up with his work.

‘He was a huge hit at Christmas prancing around in lycra and showing off his biceps. Producers were also impressed with his dancing.

‘The Gladiators’ fanbase is growing and kids love them so he’ll be a hit with younger viewers, too.’

Gladiators star Nitro has also been rumoured to have signed up for this year’s show after ‘impressing’ BBC producers on the Christmas special (seen in January) 

The superhuman, 36, took part in last year’s festive edition and was paired with professional dancer Nancy Xu (pictured) 

Nitro previously hinted at a role in the main series when he revealed he would be taking part in the Christmas special with an injury.

He told The Mirror: ‘I am carrying an injury to some degree. It’s been quite tough. I’m not my full self. Hopefully that’s taken into consideration.

‘But at the same time, I’m just here for a good time. I can dance, I can enjoy myself, that’s the most important thing.

‘Although I think we’re going to do well and although I think we’re going to have fun with it, it would be nice to do myself 100% justice by competing another time on the main series.

‘It would be good to be in a position where I can show my ultimate self. I’ve got the bug. If the opportunity arises… it’s being in an arena and learning a new skill. If the opportunity arises, I would jump at it, literally because I’ll be able to jump by then.’

Earlier this year Strictly Come Dancing confirmed the professional lineup for 2025.

The rumour comes after Strictly bosses announced the professional lineup for this year’s show and revealed there will be two brand new dancers joining

Dianne Buswell, who lifted the glitter ball in December with Chris McCausland, will be joining Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk and Jowita Przystal in returning to the dance floor this September.

Amy Dowden, who pulled out in the opening weeks of last year’s show due to a foot injury, will also be back on Strictly for 2025, as will Carlos Gu and Kai Widdrington, who didn’t have a celebrity partner last year.

Despite rumours that he might be making a return after missing out on last year’s series, Giovanni Pernice will not be heading back to the ballroom this time around.

Sarah James, Executive Producer, BBC Studios said: ‘The excitement is already building ahead of the new series and in addition to welcoming back our fantastic returning Pros, we are looking forward to welcoming two brand new Professional Dancers to the line up who will help bring another unforgettable series of dazzling dance and loads more besides to viewers later in 2025.’