Neighbours legend Alan Fletcher has backed his former co-star Stefan Dennis to win Strictly Come Dancing 2025, making the first celebrity prediction of the series. The 66-year-old actor, who plays Paul Robinson in the long-running Australian soap, was announced as one of fifteen famous faces taking to the dance floor this year.
Fletcher made his bold prediction during Monday's episode of Loose Women when panellists asked about Dennis joining the BBC competition. The actor declared confidently: "Do you know what? I reckon he'll win it."
Ruth Langsford immediately responded: "You heard it here first! First prediction."
Dennis embraces the challenge
Stefan Dennis expressed enthusiasm about his Strictly participation, acknowledging the personal challenge ahead. He admitted: "This is an opportunity for me to once again learn to step out of my comfort zone in the world of television. Looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky."
According to Manchester Evening News, Dennis has appeared in over 6,000 Neighbours episodes during his 40-year tenure, making him the longest-running character in the show's history. He created the Paul Robinson role for the first episode in 1985.
Fletcher's reasoning behind the prediction
Fletcher explained his confidence stems from Dennis's professional qualities and audience appeal. He told the panel: "He's got the work ethic to win, but also the audience are going to fall in love with him."
The prediction carries additional intrigue given that Fletcher admitted he's never actually seen his co-star dance. When asked about his own dancing abilities, he joked: "I can't dance, I have two feet!"
Reality check on the bold prediction
Despite Fletcher's optimism, WalesOnline reports that bookmakers have already tipped Dennis for early elimination from the competition. This creates a stark contrast between industry insider confidence and professional gambling assessments.
Fletcher was appearing on Loose Women to discuss Neighbours being axed for a second time and his current folk music tour. The show's second cancellation adds poignancy to his support for Dennis's new television venture.
New series details
The new Strictly series will feature returning hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, alongside judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke. Two new professional dancers, Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon, will also join the show.
Sources used: "Manchester Evening News", "WalesOnline" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
