Overview

• The pre-recorded Strictly launch airs 20 September on BBC One and iPlayer with Dennis among 15 celebrities introduced for the 2025 series.
• At 66, Dennis is billed as this year’s oldest contestant, framing his run as a step outside his comfort zone.
• He says he will deliver the very last line of Neighbours’ final episode, which is scheduled to broadcast in December 2025.
• Dennis originated Paul Robinson in 1985 and appeared in more than 6,000 episodes, making him one of the soap’s longest-serving stars.
• A report by The Sun alleged a training-room ‘heroin’ joke and a BBC inquiry; this claim remains limited in sourcing and unconfirmed by other outlets provided.