BBC Strictly star Stefan Dennis’ pal gives three-word response to his chances of winning

Strictly Come Dancing has announced its 2025 line-up with Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis taking part.

Alan threw his support behind Stefan(Image: Instagram/Stefan Dennis)

Neighbours star Alan Fletcher has backed his colleague Stefan Dennis as he prepares for his Strictly Come Dancing appearance.

Stefan, 66, was confirmed as one of the famous faces competing in this year’s BBC show, alongside personalities such as Ross King and Love Island champion Dani Dyer.

The lineup also features Gladiators icon Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston and former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink amongst others.

These celebrities will be following in the footsteps of last year’s contestants including Tasha Ghouri, Pete Wicks, Sarah Hadland and JB Gill, whilst Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell claimed the glitterball trophy.

Stefan Dennis has joined the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 line-up(Image: BBC/PA Wire)

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Despite the 2025 roster being revealed only days ago, Stefan has already faced disappointing odds from multiple bookmakers, with predictions suggesting he could be amongst the earliest departures, reports Wales Online.

Nevertheless, Alan remains confident his colleague will triumph in the contest.

Speaking on Loose Women today (Monday August 18), the Dr. Karl Kennedy performer declared: “I think he’ll win it!”

“He’s got the work ethic to win it but also audiences are going to fall in love with him,” he continued.

Though Alan did joke that he’d never witnessed his co-star’s dancing abilities.

Alan Fletcher appeared on Monday’s Loose Women(Image: ITV)

Following his announcement as the 12th celebrity to join Strictly, after Vicky Pattison and Thomas Skinner’s confirmations, Stefan admitted he possessed no dance experience but was attempting to learn from his wife, professional dancer Gail Easdale.

The actor, known for his role as Paul Robinson on Neighbours for the past forty years, confessed: “Gail is a professional dancer, she’s been trying to teach me in the most frustrating way I’m sure because I’ve just been burying my head in the sand.”

Speaking about the popularity of Strictly on This Morning, he added: “I have become more and more aware of that as the journey continues on, we have an Australian version and that’s the only one I’ve been able to look at, but everyday I’m more aware of how huge it is! The nightly audience is phenomenal.”

In a statement released by the BBC, he shared: “This is an opportunity for me to once again learn to step out of my comfort zone in the world of television. Looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky.”

Stefan admitted he had no dance experience after being announced on This Morning(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

Upon the announcement of the news on social media, fellow Strictly professionals showed their support for Stefan. Fellow Aussie Dianne Buswell wrote: “I think we will become gooood friendsssssss do you get it ! In soooooo excited.”

“Welcome to the show,” was the sentiment echoed by Gorka Marquez and Karen Hauer, while judge Motsi Mabuse said: “From Ramsay Street to the Strictly ballroom! Welcome can’t wait to see you . This is going to be fabulous!”

Stefan later posted a photo of himself in a tango pose with Alan, captioning it: “Yoiks! Is this really my new dance partner on Strictly? @alanfletcher.”

“This makes me so happy seeing you two hanging out over there,” one fan commented, while another added: “I would pay to see this.”

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer later this year. Loose Women airs weekdays from 12.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.