STEFAN ON HIS INSPIRATION AFTER TEARING CALF

I was feeling down about Strictly exit but hearing Zach's story helped me keep perspective. What an amazing young man he is

- BY NICOLA METHVEN TV Editor

STEFAN Dennis said he needed a heavy dose of painkillers on Strictly at the weekend after earlier tearing his calf - and he's still surprised he managed to complete his routine.

But after being forced to leave the BBC show because of his injury, he said the inspirational story of Zach Eagling, 14, at Pride of Britain had helped him to deal with his disappointment.

The Neighbours legend, 66, added: "Hearing about Zach and his story helped to keep it all in perspective. What an amazing young man he is."

Zach was left with cerebral palsy and epilepsy after a brain injury at birth.

During lockdown, when he was eight, he walked laps of his garden to raise money for the Epilepsy Society.

But after the charity celebrated his achievement online, trolls bombarded him with flashing images in a deliberate attempt to trigger his seizures.

COURAGE

Determined to ensure this could not happen to anyone else, he campaigned to protect those with epilepsy online.

Zach's Law came into effect in September 2023, making it a criminal offence to troll anyone with epilepsy in a bid to cause seizures. It carries a maximum five-year prison sentence.