Dianne Buswell has been inundated with messages of love and support after sharing the news that she’d suffered a family loss. The Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer is currently visiting family at home in Australia.
The dancer, who was born in Australia, has been spending time in the country after the Strictly Live Tour wrapped up. Before heading home the 2024 BBC dance show winner jetted off to South Africa with boyfriend Joe Sugg to attend the wedding of YouTuber Casper Lee.
Dianne has shared snaps from her time in Australia on social media, spending time with her parents, brother and niece. Taking to Instagram this morning, March 8, Dianne shared a video of herself and her Nan. She wrote: “Rest in peace nan. Love you very much. I’m so grateful I was home to say goodbye to such a special lady in my life. Now go be with pop he has been patiently waiting for you.”
A picture was also uploaded to Dianne’s Instagram story with the caption “RIP our beautiful nan” with the two holding hands. She also revealed how her nan was a big supporter of her and the career she has as a professional dancer. A video taken of a TV screen at her nan’s house showed the Strictly YouTube channels and her own as the most viewed.
Strictly co-stars were quick to support their colleague after the heartbreaking announcement. Jowita Przystal commented “Sending all my love Dianne” and Vito Coppola added three heart emojis.
Nancy Xu Xi also sent a message of support leaving three red heart emojis under the post. 2024 Strictly finalist and former Love Island star Tasha Ghouri wrote “Sending so much love to you.”
Fans supported the dancer with one follower saying “so sorry to hear. sending so much love to you all xx” and another adding “Thinking of you all. Watching this video, your Nan feels like home.”
Further responses were “Glad you are surrounded by family during this time and you were there for her” and “Thinking of you and you lovely family at this difficult time Dianne! Like you wrote..it was lovely to be able to be there at this time.”
Dianne’s parents Mark and Rina flew to the UK last year to watch their daughter compete on Strictly alongside Scouse comedian Chris Buswell. It was the first time they had seen her compete live in seven years and it happened to be the series when the Australian dancer lifted her first Glitterball trophy.
Throughout their journey on Strictly, Chris and Dianne captured the nation’s heart and admiration. They entered the final as one of the most favoured couples in the show’s history, with betting odds indicating that they were the clear favourites to win – one bookmaker had them at 1/18 odds-on favourites to triumph.