Dianne Buswell is set to become the first ever Strictly professional dancer to compete on the show while pregnant.
The star, 36, and her YouTuber partner Joe Sugg, 33, took to Instagram on Sunday to announce the news they were becoming parents to a baby boy with an adorable video.
Her announcement came just one week before the hit show returns to our screens for a new series – which will run up until the week before Christmas this year.
Never before has a pregnant professional competed on the show.
Back in 2014 then pro on Strictly Erin Boag revealed she had quit the show when she found out she was pregnant.
At the time she was expecting her first baby with her husband Peter O’Dowd and told The Mirror: ‘There’s been much speculation about my absence from this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, but I can now reveal the real reason why I turned it down.
Dianne Buswell is set to become the first ever Strictly professional dancer to compete on the show while pregnant
The star, 36, and her YouTuber partner Joe Sugg, 33, took to Instagram on Sunday to announce the news they were becoming parents to a baby boy with an adorable video
‘Yes, I’m truly excited and delighted to say I’m pregnant. It’s such a relief to be able to tell all as it’s been strictly mum’s the word these past few months.’
When she quit she was one of only three dancers to have appeared in all 10 series of the BBC show since it started in 2002.
Dianne shared her happy news about her pregnancy to her Instagram on Sunday.
For their pregnancy reveal video, poignantly set to Elton John’s Tiny Dancer, the couple set up an easel and pretended to paint a picture together, with playful dramatics.
They then picked up the canvas to display it to the camera, revealing a drawing of two stickmen – one with Dianne’s signature flaming red hair – holding hands with a baby.
The couple added that their first child was due in 2026 and even revealed the sex of their little one, declaring they were expecting a son.
Joe captioned the clip: ‘Our little baby boy ❤️ we cannot wait to meet you’.
The couple were flooded with congratulatory comments from friends and fans, with their fellow Strictly stars leading the well wishes.
Vito Coppola gushed: ‘THIS IS BELLISSIMOOOOO ❤️ The First Strictly Baby. Cannot wait to meet him and I promise to be the best crazy Italian uncle. Congratulation guuuuuuuys I am so so soooo happy for you ❤️’.
Back in 2014 then pro on the show Erin Boag revealed she had quit the show when she found out she was pregnant
Her announcement came just one week before the hit show returns to our screens for a new series – which will run up until the week before Christmas this year
Joe and Dianne struck up a romance when they were paired together during the sixteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2018
Stacey Dooley – who welcomed daughter Minnie in 2023 with her former Strictly partner Kevin Clifton – showed her excitement, writing: YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES’ and Johannes Radebe penned: ‘Congratulations darling, wonderful news.’
Celebrities contestants on this year’s series Vicky Pattison and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey also commented, with Vicky writing: ‘This is so lovely guys. Congratulations’ and Harry adding: ‘Omg!!!!!! Amazing news’.
While Dianne’s best pal Amy Dowden commented: ‘Still screaming, dancing and celebrating! So so happy for you both! Magical auntie Ames can’t wait xxxx’.
Joe and Dianne struck up a romance when they were paired together during the sixteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2018.
And Dianne has made lots of hints towards their baby plans in recent months, admitting in May that she was desperate to become a mum.
But the star, who won the Glitterball Trophy with partner Chris McCausland last year, explained that the gruelling demands of her showbiz career had put their family plans on hold.
She told The Sun: ‘I would like to have children, 100 per cent. Joe and I love kids, and that’s definitely something that we would absolutely love. I haven’t really thought about how many I would like. It will definitely happen.’
But while she confessed juggling motherhood and a performance career would be ‘a challenge’, Dianne insisted it’s something both she and Joe are excited about.
She said: ‘My job is quite demanding and I love it so much. It is a tough one to balance out and think about.
‘It would take a lot of thought, but eventually one day we’ll get there, but there is lots happening at the moment. It will happen when it’s supposed to.’
And in an interview with Prima in July, the Aussie star reiterated that she believed it would happen when the time was right and the power of manifestation.
Dianne prophetically said: ‘We’ve always wanted kids, it’s just finding the right time. I don’t feel worried about taking time out from dancing, I just don’t see the point in worrying.’
She has also previously told The Mirror: ‘I was always the babysitter for all my little cousins – I’ve always been a real lover of children. They fascinate me so much.’
It has been a successful year for Dianne who won a TV BAFTA in May alongside her Strictly partner from last year Chris.
She was paired with the comedian, 47, who lost his sight at the age of 22 due to genetic condition retinitis pigmentosa, on last year’s series and now they have a Best TV Moment BAFTA to their names.
Dianne has made lots of hints towards their baby plans in recent months, admitting in May that she was desperate to become a mum
The show won Best TV Moment for McCausland’s moving ‘blackout’ waltz to You’ll Never Walk Alone – choreographed to highlight his visual impairment and echo a similar routine performed by deaf contestant Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021.
While the comic was absent, a triumphant Dianne was on hand to personally accept the award and show it off backstage in the winners room.
Strictly earned the accolade after beating pivotal scenes from Bridgerton, Gavin & Stacey, Mr. Bates vs The Post Office, Rivals and The Traitors to the award.
She was accompanied by her long-term love Joe at the event.
