Strictly star Stefan Dennis torn apart from wife with fears over dreaded 'curse'

When Stefan Dennis signed up to Strictly Come Dancing he intended it as an intensely romantic gesture to his dancer wife, Gail, who he has long dreamt of joining on the dance floor. However, since signing up to the show, he admits Gail has found herself worrying about the infamous “Strictly curse”, wondering if it could spell the end of their 25-year marriage.

“It has been brought up,” says Stefan, 66. “I keep having to remind her and say, ‘Stop worrying, stop worrying darling, you are fine.’”

While his Neighbours character Paul Robinson is famous for being an egotistical womaniser, Stefan is very happily married to Gail with whom he shares sons Cameron, 23, Declan, 20, and daughter Darci, 16. So what’s the secret to a happy marriage? “Acceptance and understanding,” says Stefan. “And waking up every day and looking at a woman who I just think is stunning and gorgeous in every way.”

Gail flew to London with Stefan when he was announced as the 12th celebrity taking part in this year’s Strictly. As well as catching up with friends, she gave him some basic tips before flying home to Australia at the end of August to settle Darci into her last year at school.

Now Stefan is on his own and waiting to find out who his dance partner will be. Above all, he’s hoping for someone who will be patient. “They need to be patient but also prepared to have a good laugh,” says Stefan. “I do need somebody that, certainly in the first few weeks, is going to be totally in control so that they guide me and lead me the right way because of the fact I can’t dance.”

At 66, Stefan is the oldest contestant on this year’s show but he hopes he’ll have the stamina required to keep up with the cast. “I was quite shocked to find out that I was actually the old codger in the show,” he laughs.

Stefan dislikes going to the gym, preferring to keep fit by cycling and surfing. Now, he’s hoping Strictly will whip him into better shape.

“Gail keeps saying, ‘You won’t know yourself after a month because one, you’ll get really fit and two, you’ll want to do it more and more,’” says Stefan.

The costume department on Strictly is legendary for its excessive and impressive use of sequins and Stefan is looking forward to the sparkles. However, it was news to him that the men’s shirts fasten between the legs to stop them becoming untucked during the dance moves.

“That could be interesting,” grins Stefan. “I was actually joking to my mate the other day and I said, ‘I’m gonna wear a mankini on the show!’”

Living in Australia, where they have their own version of Strictly called Dancing With The Stars, Stefan isn’t very familiar with judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Motsi Mabuse. However, his countryman Craig Revel Horwood’s tough reputation has preceded him.

“I know all about Craig,” he laughs. “I’ve got fairly thick skin. If somebody who knows what they’re talking about gives me a critique, I’m going to listen.”

But, if Stefan thinks the criticism is unfair, he won’t be afraid to channel the soap baddie he’s played for 40 years. Stefan laughs, “Maybe I should bring in a little bit of Paul Robinson and go, ‘Oi, you think you’re a villain, mate?’”

Now Neighbours is over, Stefan hopes fans are ready to get to know the real him, rather than his character. “Strictly ticks so many boxes,” says Stefan, who famously had a Top 20 hit singing Don’t It Make You Feel Good. “It removes me so far away from Paul Robinson. At the same time, it’s teaching me another string to my bow, because, as an actor, now I’ll be able to go, ‘I’m a triple threat!’”

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