Dianne Buswell slams Strictly star's illness is 'cover up' for her dancing while pregnant

Strictly Come Dancing star Dianne Buswell was forced to shut down claims her dance partner Stefan Dennis was "covering for her" after the Neighbours legend pulled out of Saturday night's show. The pregnant star, 36, announced she is expecting her first child with partner Joe Sugg last month, making her the first star to ever compete in the show while pregnant. Yet on Friday it was revealed she and her fellow Aussie partner Stefan wouldn't be dancing in Saturday's night show due to illness.

The Strictly pro rushed to social media and shut down rumours it was a "cover up" for her being unable to dance. Taking to her Instagram Stories on Saturday morning, Dianne penned: "Just to clarify as I have had lots of people msg me thinking this is a cover up for me being not able to dance!? Firstly we wouldn't lie especially about somebody being sick!

"And secondly I am fine, yes I am pregnant but I'm also very capable and feeling really good!"

She also explained that their are protocols in place regarding the professionals sickness as she added: "Thirdly there are things in place if any pro were to get sick or injured."

A statement from Strictly shared on Instagram read: "Due to illness over the past few days, Stefan Dennis has been advised to rest and, as a result, he will not dance this weekend.

"In line with the rules of Strictly, Stefan and Dianne will receive a bye through to next week when they will hopefully be able to dance again."

In the caption, they added: "Stefan Dennis won't be dancing on Saturday night due to illness. We wish him a speedy recovery and will hopefully see him back in the Ballroom with Dianne next week."

On Friday it was announced Stefan will miss tonight's show but will receive a pass to next week's show in the hopes the actor is feeling better for the dancefloor.