Dianne Buswell Hits Back After Comment About Her Competing On Strictly While Pregnant

Strictly Come Dancing professional Dianne Buswell is taking on critics who don’t think she should be competing on the show while she’s pregnant.

Earlier this month, the reigning Strictly champion announced that she and her long-term partner Joe Sugg – who she met when they were paired up on the show in 2019 – are expecting their first child.

Since then, the Australian dancer confirmed that she will remain part of this year’s series of Strictly, where she’s been partnered with Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis.

However, posting on Instagram on Wednesday night, Dianne revealed that her decision to take part hasn’t been without its detractors.

“I can’t believe in 2025 things like this are still being said,” she lamented, after reposting a comment which read: “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.”

She also reposted a comment from one fan which read: ”[Dianne] dancing pregnant in Strictly this year is nothing short of beautiful and magical. Women’s bodies are incredible and I don’t actually think some people realise that.

“This will show all of those people who believe this weird twisted notion that women should hide away when they’re carrying a baby that women are capable of so much more and can do anything. You’re inspirational and incredible. We as a family cannot wait to watch you doing what you love and were born to do again every weekend.”

Dianne recently told listeners of her podcast Winning Isn’t Everything, as reported by Metro, that she had consulted with her doctor before agreeing to take part in Strictly this year.

“I’m still doing everything I did before,” she insisted. “Obviously, with lifts, there’s going to be a bit more caution. But my doctor has said everything is normal.

“He said, basically, if you’ve done it before, in terms of being a dancer, and you’ve done this, done that, then crack on and keep doing what you’re doing.”

Dianne has been part of the Strictly family since 2017, and in that time, she’s been paired with popstar-turned-minister Reverend Richard Coles, broadcaster Dev Griffin, The Wanted performer Max George, actor Robert Webb, presenter Tyler West and EastEnders star Bobby Brazier.

Last year, she was coupled up with comedian Chris McCausland, who made history as the show’s first ever blind celebrity contestant, with the two going on to lift the Glitterball Trophy.

They also reprised their Bafta-winning Waltz to You’ll Never Walk Alone during Saturday’s launch show.