When Stefan Dennis was forced to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing because of an injury on Monday, fans of Chris Robshaw were quick to call for his return.
The former England rugby captain, 39, had been booted off the show less than 24 hours earlier after he found himself in the dance off with EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal.
Following the tense dance-off, judges Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke voted to save the muscular sportsman after he performed a salsa to María by Ricky Martin, but Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood opted for Sopal.
As Revel-Horwood was the head judge on Sunday, it was his vote that was decisive and Robshaw bid an emotional goodbye to his professional partner Nadiya Bychkova.
But in the wake of Stefan Dennis’s calf injury forcing him out of the competition, fans of the rugby star hoped that BBC bosses would bring him back to compete.
Now the bosses have given their verdict on the future of the BBC dance competition and Robshaw’s future on the show.
When Stefan Dennis was forced to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing because of an injury on Monday, fans of Chris Robshaw were quick to call for his return
But in the wake of Stefan Dennis’s calf injury forcing him out of the competition, fans of the rugby star hoped that BBC bosses would bring him back to compete
A BBC source told the Daily Mail: ‘The judges have had the final say on Chris’s future in the competition and we would not seek to overturn that. So he will not be returning to compete on Strictly Come Dancing.’
‘Following Stefan Dennis’ sad departure from Strictly, we will run the competition as usual. But instead of the usual four-person final, there will instead be only three finalists.’
Fans had demanded that Robshaw was reinstated considering the judging panel had been so split on the decision, with many viewers arguing he shouldn’t have been in the bottom two in the first place.
One person commented on Instagram: ‘Chris Robshaw should return, he was most improved.’ A second also echoed: ‘Chris Robshaw should be reinstated! I hope you recover quickly, Stefan x.’
A third also said: ‘Very sad. Can Chris and Nadiya come back then?’ A fourth also chimed in ‘Sad news for you both. Maybe bring Chris back; he didn’t deserve to go.’
The last time there was a three-person final was in 2023 when EastEnders actor Nigel Harman pulled out of the competition because of a rib injury.
The Neighbours actor, 66, said he is ‘devastated’ to have to pull out of the show after ‘finally gaining confidence’ in the competition on Monday.
Despite the setback, Stefan appeared cheery on the red carpet at the Pride Of Britain awards on Monday night.
Despite the setback, Stefan appeared cheery on the red carpet at the Pride Of Britain awards on Monday night
Last weekend, Stefan and pregnant pro partner Dianne Buswell came back fighting after he pulled out of the show due to an illness.
Of his departure, Stefan wrote: ‘This morning I woke up to the most disappointing day of my time in my Strictly journey.
‘Just when I had finally gained the confidence to do well with my dancing in the competition and achieve more great dances along the way, I was told that on Saturday I had torn my calf so significantly that I am now forced to withdraw from the show.
‘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).
‘Fun fact for all the avid Neighbours fans… it’s the same leg! [laughing face emoji]’
A BBC source told the Daily Mail: ‘The judges have had the final say on Chris’s future in the competition and we would not seek to overturn that. So he will not be returning to compete on Strictly Come Dancing’
The post read: ‘Sadly due to an injury Stefan Dennis is leaving. We have loved watching Stefan and Dianne create magic on the dance floor with their Team Aussie energy. He will be sorely missed by the entire family. ❤️’
Following the news of Stefan’s departure, his partner Dianne wrote: ‘stefo I’m so sorry our strictly journey was cut short just as that confidence was starting to grow. But you can walk away with your head held high.
‘You can go home to your wonderful wife put your hand out and say would you like to cha cha cha with me the main reason for being on this show was to be able to dance with her and you can certainly do that now.
‘You are the kindest human I have ever worked with and I can always say I got to dance with the iconic neighbours legend Stefan Dennis or as my dad calls ya Paul Robertson ❤️
‘Can’t wait for you to send me the video of you and Gail dancing together’
Stefan is the third star to quit Strictly, following Dani Dyer and Kristian Nairn who were forced to pull out.
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