Strictly star leaves the show due to injury

Stefan Dennis won't be appearing on the show after injuring his leg

Actor Stefan Dennis has had to leave the Strictly ballroom after injuring his calf.

The Australian actor starred in the popular TV show Neighbours, and was partnered with pro Dianne Buswell.

He had already missed Movie Week due to illness but had been allowed to compete the next week, where he and Dianne got their highest score of the series with a Charleston to Dance Monkey by Australian musician Tones and I.

Stefan and Dianne got 26 points out of 40 for their Charleston, their highest score of the competition

But after hurting his leg, he was told by doctors he wouldn't be allowed to continue on the show.

"I was told that on Saturday I had torn my calf so significantly that I am now forced to withdraw from the show," he said in a statement.

He continued: "I can't tell you how devastated I am to have to leave so prematurely, especially as there has been, and still is, so much love and support from everyone for both Dianne and myself.

"I owe both the Strictly Family and Dianne a massive debt of gratitude for giving me the opportunity to fulfil my dream of being able to dance with my wife. (When my leg is better)."

Partner Dianne Buswell wrote on Instagram that Stefan could leave the show with his "head held high" and called him "the kindest human" she had ever worked with.

Stefan said he's "devastated" to be leaving the ballroom so soon

The pair have confirmed they will appear on Strictly: It Takes Two on Wednesday to talk about their time on Strictly Come Dancing.

Stefan Dennis is best known for playing Paul Robinson in Neighbours, the longest-running character in Australian television history.

His first appearance was in 1985, and from then on he featured in a whopping 6,000 episodes across forty years.