Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Dianne Buswell has reflected on her Strictly journey so far, nine years in. She spoke to the BBC about the ups and downs of her time on the dance show so far and what is to be expected from her in the future.
In a new It Takes Two clip, Dianne said: “This is my ninth year on Strictly and honestly it always still feels like the first year. Everyone is always like, when are you going to leave and I am like ‘no’ how many more years can I do.”
Despite her success on the show in recent years, the dancer said: “When I go out and dance now I do get quite nervous.”
Sharing a clip reflecting to her time on Strictly, Dianne looked back on her dancer partners from Reverend Richard Coles being the first to winning the Glitterball with Scouse comedian Chris McCausland last year.
Strictly Come Dancing’s Chris McCausland was overcome with emotion as he was crowned last season’s winner. The comedian was the show’s first ever blind contestant and made history by winning the show.
His inspiring journey alongside Dianne Buswell captured the hearts of the nation and his incredible efforts were rewarded when he won the glitterball. Chris was awarded 116 points overall for his three dances in the final.
The Australian captioned the post on Instagram: “This was lovely to film thinking back over the last nine years of strictly. Like I say at the very end I’m so grateful for it all and for what is to come.”
Chris McCausland replied to the post: “Love this! I am so proud to have been a part of it all partner. Can’t believe Joe got top billing though.” Dianne’s sister, Izzy Buswell, wrote: This was so special, You have achieved so much over these nine years hopefully many more memories to come.”
Dianne’s time on the current series of Strictly was hit with another massive blow last month as it was announced that Neighbours star and dance partner Stefan Dennis was forced to pull out of the show, only four weeks in. The announcement came after Kristian Nairn and Dani Dyer both had to withdraw before the series began.
In a statement shared by BBC, an explanation for the sudden departure of Stefan was given. The message on behalf of Stefan said: “This morning I woke up to the most disappointing day of my time in my Strictly journey.
“Just when I had finally gained the confidence to do well with my dancing in the competition and achieve more great dances along the way, I was told that on Saturday I had torn my calf so significantly that I am now forced to withdraw from the show.”
Stefan’s message continued: “I can’t tell you how devastated I am to have to leave so prematurely, especially as there has been and still is, so much love and support from everyone for both Dianne and myself.”
A Strictly viewer speculated about Dianne’s pregnancy, saying: “To be honest I saw this coming.
“Dianne couldn’t really continue especially when she gets bigger, bless her, she’s a brilliant dancer and she is one of my favourite, sorry to say but I think this was planned to keep her and the baby safe, just my thoughts.”
In response, Dianne responded: “I sound like a broken record but I am seeing a bit of this floating around again! I know people say ignore it but actually, why should I? I will speak up.”
The reigning Strictly champion clarified that she would love nothing more than dancing, admitting that this year she has “more energy” than last year. She told fans to “respect” Stefan.