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Dianne Buswell Strictly Run Makes History as Professional Dancer Continues Amidst Pregnancy Dianne Buswell is making history in the world of competitive ballroom, becoming the first professional dancer on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing to compete in the main series while expecting a child. The reigning champion is currently partnered with Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis, facing the dual challenge of gruelling weekly training schedules and significant public scrutiny. Her unprecedented participation has ignited conversations across social media regarding the expectations placed upon women in high-level physical performance roles, even as she aims to use her platform to showcase the strength of the female body. The Australian dancer, who lifted the coveted Glitterball Trophy in the 2024 series, revealed her pregnancy with long-term partner and former celebrity contestant Joe Sugg in September, shortly before the new series commenced. The announcement, shared via social media using the caption “Our little baby boy” alongside the song ‘Tiny Dancer’, was met with an outpouring of congratulations from fans and colleagues alike. Crucially, Ms. Buswell confirmed almost immediately that the news would not alter her involvement in the 2025 series, where she has been paired with veteran soap star Stefan Dennis. Ms. Buswell, 36, stated early in the series that her decision to continue dancing was driven by a desire to challenge conventional perceptions. “I want to show that a woman’s body is absolutely incredible,” she was quoted as saying, highlighting the rigorous preparation undertaken with the BBC production team and medical staff to ensure her safety throughout the competition. Navigating the Ballroom and Backlash The pairing of Buswell and Dennis has proved a significant talking point in the early weeks of the competition.
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The couple's debut performance—a Foxtrot set to the Neighbours theme tune—earned a mixed score of 22 points. Their week two performance, an 80s-themed Cha Cha Cha, saw their score drop to 17, placing them low on the leader board. The judges’ feedback on the Cha Cha Cha, while constructive, reflected the difficulty the pairing is experiencing in achieving competitive technical excellence. Judge Craig Revel Horwood described the routine as "stiff" and "stompy," although he, along with Anton Du Beke, praised the sheer volume of "proper, proper content" included by Ms. Buswell in the choreography. The pressures of the competition appear to be weighing heavily on her celebrity partner. Following their second dance, which featured an accidental stumble during the exit, Mr. Dennis was reported to have shared his struggles with Ms. Buswell backstage. “He said to me, ‘Di, I don’t often feel old, but I feel very old in this competition’,” Ms. Buswell revealed, underscoring the demanding physical and psychological investment required.
Beyond the challenges of training and live performance, Ms. Buswell has also faced an unwelcome wave of criticism on public forums. Following her announcement, the professional dancer shared examples of negative comments on social media, including one that stated: “I don’t want to see her dance being pregnant. It’s already feeling uncomfortable, and she’s only starting to show. It’s really not appropriate. ” Reacting to the unsolicited commentary, Ms. Buswell posted a direct rebuttal to the sentiment, noting: “I can’t believe in 2025 things like this are still being said. ” Industry Support and Career Outlook In the wake of the public scrutiny, numerous high-profile figures within the Strictly family have offered firm support. Stacey Dooley, a former Strictly winner and television presenter, was among those who publicly defended Ms. Buswell’s decision to continue dancing. Ms.
Dooley described the dancer’s commitment as “such a flex to be a pro on the biggest show on telly whilst pregnant. ” She added, “Women are incredible! It’s amazing that she’s going to be able to tell her baby, ‘You were with me’. ” Fellow professional dancers have also rallied around her, with the show’s environment being described as highly supportive, including an impromptu baby shower thrown during a live broadcast and gifts delivered to the studio by co-stars. However, the professional's imminent shift to motherhood has already impacted her future professional calendar. Ms. Buswell’s name was notably absent from the roster announced for the highly anticipated Strictly The Professionals 2026 UK live tour. While several of her co-stars, including reigning male champion Vito Coppola and long-standing professional Neil Jones, were confirmed for the tour, her exclusion confirms that a significant career hiatus is planned following the conclusion of the 2025 series. Conclusion Dianne Buswell’s current journey on Strictly Come Dancing is significant not just for the competition itself, but for setting a precedent in broadcast entertainment. By choosing to continue her physically demanding role as a professional dancer and choreographer, she is navigating a path that is challenging established norms regarding performance during pregnancy. While the competitive edge of her partnership with Stefan Dennis remains uncertain in the face of elimination, her participation in the 2025 series has already secured her a place in the show's history. The coming weeks will determine how far the couple can progress, but the dancer’s commitment remains a high-profile example of professionalism under unique circumstances.
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