Amy Dowden has clarified the reasons behind her Strictly Come Dancing co-star Dianne Buswell’s withdrawal from the competition.

It was announced on Monday evening that Neighbours star Stefan Dennis, who is partnered with Ms Buswell, had been injured during training and would need to pull out of the show.

Speculation online soon theorised that the Australian choreographer, who is pregnant with her first child, could be the real reason for the pair’s exit.

The same rumours circulated a couple of weeks ago when the two missed out on Movie Week thanks to Mr Dennis being unwell.

Ms Buswell clarified at the time her pregnancy had been nothing to do with it and that producers wouldn’t lie about the reason a couple had missed a week or withdrawn.

Despite this, she was forced to address similar claims after Monday’s news that the couple had to leave the series for good.

Backing her friend and co-star, Ms Dowden, who was the first to be eliminated from this year’s show alongside Thomas Skinner, also set the record straight live on TV.

Appearing on ITV’s Lorraine, the Welsh dancer and presenter Tyler West touched on the rumours doing the rounds online.

Mr West explained: “Some people have come out and said, ‘Oh, maybe it’s because, you know, Dianne’s pregnant and she won’t be able to dance like that.’

“But there are literal rules in place for if a pro was to fall out!”

“I had to pull out last year, didn’t I?” Ms Dowden reminded audiences, adding: “And Lauren [Oakley] came in.

“No, absolutely. Stefan, unfortunately, has got an injury, and I’m gutted for them both.

LATEST BBC STRICTLY DEVELOPMENTS

Balvinder Sopal admits ‘knocked the wind out of me’ following fury over judges’ Strictly decisionDianne Buswell hits back as BBC Strictly fans claim Stefan Dennis’ withdrawal was ‘set up’BBC Strictly star forced to quit show after devastating injury blow

“Dianne was doing such an amazing job with Stefan, and I’m gutted that we don’t get to see his journey continue.”

Addressing the speculation again, she added: “But no, Dianne is doing amazing.”

Taking to social media on Monday night, Ms Buswell hit back at fans who accused her of “covering up” the real reason for her and Mr Dennis’ exit.

The dancer shared one message from a fan which read: “She’s a brilliant dancer and she is one of my favourites sorry to say but I think this was planned to keep her and baby safe, just my thought.”

She added: “I sound like a broken record but I’m seeing a bit of this floating around again! I know people say ignore it but actually, why should I…. I will speak up.

Ms Buswell asked supporters to show consideration for Mr Dennis, emphasising that the actor felt genuinely disappointed about his inability to continue dancing.

She stressed that the production would never fabricate stories about participants’ health conditions.