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.’”

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 Paul. “And waking up every day and looking at a woman who I just think is stunning and gorgeous in every way.”