Strictly Come Dancing’s Dianne Buswell has shared a heartbroken update after she called her dad. The current Glitterball champion took to Instagram to reveal her dad, Mark, was upset as she picked up the call over the death of his pet bird.
The Australian shared a snap of the FaceTime call, alongside the caption: “My heart broke for my dad. His bird passed away just as I called him. Bless him. I just wanted to jump through the screen and give him a hug… he loved his bird. Had her for 15 years.”
She added: “I stayed on the phone for a while with him.” Dianne’s sad update on social media comes as excitement builds for the latest season of the BBC contest.
The 23rd season of Strictly gets underway next month and people will be hoping to emulate Dianne’s success with Liverpool comic, Chris McCausland, by winning the show. The celebrities donning their dancing shoes are being revealed across the course of this week.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Dani-Dyer Bowen, Alex Kingston and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s participation in the BBC show was confirmed on Monday.
Balvinder Sopal and George Clarke’s participation was announced on Tuesday. Drag Race UK star, La Voix, and former England rugby player, Chris Robshaw, were announced on the Scott Mills Breakfast show earlier today.
La Voix said in a statement: “I’ve performed for royalty, RuPaul and Simon Cowell, but nothing fills me with more excitement (and quite a bit of terror) than the thought of dancing in front of millions on live Saturday night TV.
“Strictly is a national institution and I can’t wait to get started. “All that’s left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here’s hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse.”
Chris added: “This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! “I’m hoping to take my dad dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can’t wait to drag me along to her Zumba class.
“Let’s see if a rugby sidestep works in the Cha Cha Cha.” Ellie Goldstein was later confirmed on BBC Breakfast as she made history as Strictly’s first ever contestant with Down syndrome.
Reacting to the news, she said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to be joining the cast and pros of Strictly Come Dancing this year. It’s a show I’ve loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream.
“I know it’s going to be challenging, but I’m ready to do it with the glitter and glamour and make some magic on that dancefloor. Let the Strictly journey begin!”
Ellie is a trailblazer in promoting inclusivity as she was the first ever model with Down syndrome to grace the cover of British Vogue. Ellie appeared on BBC Breakfast and told hosts she wants to be partnered with Nikita Kuzmin.
She said: “I love him so much. He’s got such a heartwarming, loving smile and makes me smile.” Ellie added: “I want to marry him at one point.” Strictly stars took to the comments to welcome Ellie to the family after she was revealed to be taking part in the upcoming 23rd season.
Head judge Shirley Ballas said: “Welcome to the family darling.” Dianne added: “Welcome so exciting.” Amy Dowden added: “Welcome.” Michelle Tsiakkas added: “Welcome Ellie.” Neil Jones posted: “This is wonderful, congratulations.” Jowita Przystał commented: “Welcome.”