Stefan Dennis has opened up about a devastating family tragedy from his childhood, revealing it still deeply affects him to this day.
The soap icon, 66, who is set to make his dancefloor debut on Strictly Come Dancing this Saturday, has enjoyed a hugely successful career and has starred in Neighbours since its 1985 debut.
But despite his success in the spotlight, Stefan admitted he still carries the pain of losing his older brother, John, who was killed by a drunk driver at the age of 12.
Speaking to The Guardian, he said: ‘The repercussions of someone getting behind the wheel on drugs or drink, it’s devastating to the people around them.
‘This happened decades and decades ago, and it still affects me today – I’m more affected today than I was back then.’
Opening up further in a chat with News Corp, the actor revealed how becoming a father has given him a new perspective on the grief his mother endured.
Stefan Dennis has opened up about a devastating family tragedy from his childhood, revealing it still deeply affects him to this day (pictured on Loose Women this month)
The soap icon, 66, who is set to make his dancefloor debut on Strictly Come Dancing this Saturday, has enjoyed a hugely successful career and has starred in Neighbours since its 1985 debut
He told the company: ‘I just recently spoke to my mum about it (the death of John).
‘Now that I have my own children, I have some concept of what she must have gone through.’
The star also shared that his late brother has been on his mind more than ever recently, especially when he looks at his teenage son, Cameron.
He said: ‘Lately, I have been thinking about John a lot, because Cameron is so much like him, it makes me think about him. I wonder what he would’ve been like today.’
He also issued a warning about the dangers of drink and drug driving and revealed that the driver who killed his brother had been travelling at just 30km/h.
It comes just days after Dianne and Stefan were seen stocking up on Epsom bath salts for their painful feet, just days into training.
The pregnant dancer and Neighbours legend appeared in great spirits, nevertheless, as they enjoyed a break from rehearsals ahead of Saturday night’s first live show.
Dianne, who is expecting her first child, a baby boy with boyfriend Joe Sugg, 34, shielded her bump beneath a black top and leggings, which she teamed with knee-high boots.
But despite his success in the spotlight, Stefan admitted he still carries the pain of losing his older brother, John, who was tragically killed by a drunk driver at the age of 12 (pictured in 2014)
It comes just days after Dianne and Stefan were seen stocking up on Epsom bath salts for their painful feet, just days into training (pictured earlier this week)
The pregnant dancer and Neighbours legend appeared in great spirits, nevertheless, as they enjoyed a break from rehearsals ahead of Saturday night’s first live show
The dancer added a splash of colour to the look with a bright printed jacket while sweeping back her dyed red locks with a hairband.
Meanwhile, Stefan wore a white T-shirt and grey joggers as he nipped out from training for the salt to soak his feet.
Possible benefits of a salt foot soak include reduced itching, decreased inflammation, and reduced soreness.
It comes after Strictly bosses reportedly put contingency plans in place for Dianne as she becomes the first pregnant star to compete in the competition.
With reports that the tot is due in early 2026 and the Strictly final not until December, she could potentially be dancing right up until her due date, forcing bosses to ensure they have a backup plan.
A source told The Sun: ‘Producers have plans in place, and there are several pros who could easily step in and take over at a moment’s notice, because the show must go on’.
‘The BBC’s primary concern is the health and well-being of Dianne, and they fully intend to support her through the process with regular check-ins from the welfare team.’
Meanwhile, a Strictly source told Daily Mail: ‘This story makes something out of nothing – the plans described have long existed for everyone, and it’s misleading to claim otherwise.’
Strictly Come Dancing will air at 6:55pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday, 27.
