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Stefan Dennis Addresses Challenges in Ballroom Transition Following Iconic Soap Exit The Australian actor, famed for his near four-decade tenure as the ruthless businessman Paul Robinson in Neighbours, has commenced a new chapter in British entertainment, trading the familiar set of Ramsay Street for the competitive dancefloor of the BBC's flagship show, Strictly Come Dancing. Stefan Dennis, 66, has become a central figure in the current series of Strictly Come Dancing, a move that analysts suggest highlights the enduring cultural connection between the Australian soap opera and the UK viewing public. However, his initial appearances have been marked by a steep learning curve, including a visible struggle with choreography and a minor on-stage incident that required a swift response from his professional partner. The actor has publicly acknowledged the difficulty of the transition, describing himself as "petrified" before taking to the floor for his latest routine. The decision to join the contest follows the cancellation of Neighbours, which drew to a close earlier this year, ending Dennis’s long-running commitment to the character he first played in 1985. For the Australian star, the ballroom represents a pivot point after a career largely defined by his role as Paul Robinson, a character renowned for his cunning and complex schemes. Mr Dennis and his partner, Dianne Buswell, faced particular scrutiny during the recent live show as they tackled the Cha Cha Cha. The performance, while praised by some for its energy, received mixed feedback from the judging panel. Head Judge Shirley Ballas noted that the duo "started well," but suggested that nerves quickly undermined the actor's execution.
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"You have a brilliant partnership, and you have a brilliant energy," commented Motsi Mabuse, before delivering a candid assessment. "I am going to have to address the elephant in the room. There were lots of tiny, tiny mistakes everywhere. Let's try next time to rehearse and stick to the routine. " The critiques were echoed by judge Craig Revel Horwood, known for his stringent appraisals, who described the actor's technique as "stiff" and "stompy," highlighting issues with timing despite commending the overall "content" of the routine. The pair were awarded a score of 17 out of a possible 40. Beyond the choreography challenges, the performance was followed by a brief moment of alarm. As the actor ascended the stairs to join the hosts for the scores, he reportedly misplaced his footing and stumbled, a near-miss that was quickly averted by the intervention of his partner. Speaking immediately after the incident, Ms Buswell was heard exclaiming, "Golly gosh.
Be careful, be careful. " Mr Dennis, fortunately unharmed, was seen laughing off the mishap, underscoring the high-pressure environment of the live television production. For many viewers, the sight of Paul Robinson in sequins and attempting intricate footwork is a cultural event in itself. Stefan Dennis previously revealed that his initial expectation following the soap's cancellation was a period of "semi-retirement. " However, the call from the BBC provided him with an alternative pathway. Speaking about the opportunity, he described it as a privilege to "learn a new talent" and "once again learn to step out of my comfort zone in the world of television. ” This career move capitalises on the strong, decades-long connection between Neighbours and the British audience. Dr Eleanor Vance, a cultural commentator specialising in trans-global television narratives, suggests the casting is a shrewd move by the broadcasters. "Stefan Dennis is more than just a soap actor; he is an institution for millions of viewers in the UK," Dr Vance stated.
"His portrayal of Paul Robinson, the quintessential soap villain, was so effective that the British public knows and responds to him instantly. The challenge now is separating the public’s memory of the 'ruthless businessman' from the reality of the nervous, hard-working novice dancer. That contrast is precisely what makes for compelling television. " The actor’s personal background also suggests a deep commitment to pursuing varied interests outside of the soap genre. Away from television, Mr Dennis has previously embarked on a music career, releasing the single 'Don't It Make You Feel Good' in 1989, and holds a world record in endurance go-kart racing. As the competition progresses, the focus will remain on whether Mr Dennis can translate his established screen presence and dedication into the technical precision required for the dancefloor. His scores indicate a challenging road ahead, but his popularity, combined with the widespread support for the long-serving soap star, may yet keep him in the contest. With several weeks still remaining, Mr Dennis’s journey represents one of the most compelling narratives of the current Strictly series: the attempt by a television veteran to master an entirely unfamiliar discipline under the intense glare of the Saturday night spotlight.
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