Dianne Buswell has always been the heartbeat of the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom — her fiery red hair, dazzling choreography, and infectious laughter lighting up every season she’s graced. But now, the Australian-born dancer has revealed a brand-new role: motherhood. In a tender Instagram video, dressed in a flowing cream gown and barefoot in her living room, Dianne cradled her baby bump and whispered to the camera, “I’m dancing a new rhythm now — the heartbeat of our baby.”
The 36-year-old dancer, who fell in love with her partner Joe Sugg during the 2018 series of Strictly, shared the news after seven years together. The couple’s announcement sent waves of joy across the Strictly fandom, with fans and fellow stars flooding social media with messages of love and support. What began as an on-screen partnership has blossomed into one of the show’s most cherished real-life love stories — and now, into a family.
Speaking to HELLO! magazine, Dianne explained why the transition feels so natural. “Joe and I always knew we wanted children — we just didn’t set a strict timeline. When the moment was right, we’d feel it. And now, that moment is here.” Far from feeling anxious about pressing pause on her career, Dianne says she’s embracing this new chapter with open arms. “There’s this myth that women in performance have to choose between passion and parenthood. I don’t see it that way. This isn’t an ending. It’s a beautiful pause.”
Joe, now 33, has been equally emotional about the journey. He recalled secretly writing a lullaby in the early weeks of the pregnancy, softly strumming it on his guitar while imagining the baby they would soon meet. “It was the first time I cried happy tears over a song,” Dianne admitted with a smile. For Joe, watching Dianne step into motherhood is nothing short of inspiring: “I’ve seen her dedication to her craft, but this — this is the most awe-inspiring role she’s ever taken on.”
The Strictly family wasted no time in celebrating the couple. Claudia Winkleman confessed she was “crying, shaking, screaming” at the news, while pro dancer Gorka Márquez declared, “The best dance of your life begins now.” Even Shirley Ballas, who recently stepped down from the judging panel, shared a heartfelt tribute on Twitter: “Our girl Dianne is going to be a mum! That baby is already so lucky.”
For Dianne, the journey ahead will be about balance — continuing to dance while learning to slow down and savor life’s softer rhythms. “It’s the in-between moments I’m cherishing most — the quiet mornings, the warm tea, the gentle kicks,” she revealed. With her trademark optimism, she insists that she doesn’t feel fear, only gratitude.
More than just a personal milestone, Dianne’s announcement has struck a deeper chord with fans. Her message to women everywhere is clear: you don’t have to choose between your dreams and motherhood. “Life has its own choreography,” she says. “And sometimes, the most graceful move is simply trusting where it’s leading you.”
From sequins and spotlights to lullabies and late nights, Dianne Buswell is proving that every chapter of life has its own rhythm. And for her and Joe, the most beautiful dance has only just begun.
