Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke addressed the consequences of Stefan Dennis's withdrawal from the series, as fans have been left with questions over how the additional exit could change the series.
The judge and author shared how the Australian actor's exit could bring about a major change later in the BBC competition.
Mr Dennis departed the programme after sustaining a severe calf injury that left him unable to continue dancing.
The Neighbours actor, paired with professional Dianne Buswell, initially attempted to return after a week's rest but ultimately withdrew completely due to persistent pain during performances.
Anton Du Beke talked about the challenges the current BBC Strictly series has faced
|BBC
The 59-year-old judge provided clarity on the show's format going forward during his television appearance.
Mr Du Beke disclosed that the competition would conclude with just three couples competing for the glitterball trophy.
"Well, I don't know, I haven't spoken to the producers. But I think we will probably end up with three in the final. So we will do that," he confirmed during the broadcast.
The former professional dancer reflected on similar circumstances from previous series.
Stefan Dennis had to withdraw from BBC Strictly
| BBC"We had a situation years ago, some people got injured and headed off, we ended up with two in the final. We had all this time to fill. It was sort of hilarious," he recalled.
Du Beke mentioned he was competing during that particular series but hadn't reached the final himself.
He remembered how the remaining contestants performed multiple routines to fill the extended broadcast time.
"I remember they would do the dance, come up to Tess [Daly], say thanks very much, then off they go to get changed. They had around five dances each," Du Beke explained about the previous two-finalist series.
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The judge revealed that Mr Dennis might still participate in the finale's group performance, though this remains uncertain.
Mr Du Beke stated that the actor would "try his best to make it to the final" for the ensemble routine, but emphasised that any appearance would depend entirely on his rehabilitation progress.
The calf tear that forced Mr Dennis to exit occurred during his performance on Saturday, October 18.
Despite attempting to continue through the pain that evening, the severity of the injury made further participation impossible.
Anton Du Beke talked about Stefan's withdrawal from BBC Strictly
|BBC
Social media users quickly responded to Du Beke's announcement, with many expressing disappointment about the reduced finalist numbers.
One viewer wrote on X: "Can't they just do a non-elimination week to avoid a three-person final?" whilst another suggested: "Petition for everyone to have a bye this week so we get our four-person final."
Some fans speculated about which celebrities would secure the remaining spots.
Anton Du Beke revealed BBC Strictly could see a three-couple final this year
|BBC
One user commented: "If that means it's a three-person final now, Lewis [Cope] and Amber [Davies] will take up two of those spots as the judges won't send them home. That leaves only one spot for a non-trained dancer."
Mr Dennis became the second celebrity forced to exit this series following Dani Dyer's earlier departure.
Ms Dyer fractured her ankle during rehearsals and withdrew after medical advice deemed dancing inadvisable.