Strictly triple threat

As Stefan Dennis dusts off his dancing shoes for Strictly, the Neighbours villain promises his bad-boy persona could still make an appearance

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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."

Stefan married Gail Easdale in Scotland's Borthwick Castle in May 2000 after they met doing panto. As part of the celebrations they had a ceilidh and Stefan has fond memories of dancing with his wife. However, despite Gail's passion for dancing, Stefan has avoided the dance floor ever since.

“It sounds very corny but I'm actually doing it for my wife,” says Stefan. “My wife trained as a dancer from a very young age and became a very good professional dancer on the West End. I've never been able to dance and I've always wanted to hit the dance floor with my wife and do a lovely waltz.

“To me waltzing is the ultimate in ballroom dancing because it’s so romantic. The last time I was able to do anything like that was at our wedding. It was such fun and to be able to do that again would be fabulous.”

Stefan has spent the summer showing Gail just how much she means to him, and they are fresh from celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Hawaii.