After reaching the Strictly Come Dancing finals with YouTuber and now-boyfriend Joe Sugg and EastEnders actor Bobby Brazier, third time proved to be a charm for Dianne Buswell in 2024. The Australian-born dance pro, 36, lifted the Glitterball trophy with registered-blind comedian Chris McCausland. And not only did they win viewers over with their impressive routines, their moving ‘blackout’ waltz to You’ll Never Walk Alone nabbed the Best TV Moment at the BAFTAs last week.
With all the drama surrounding Strictly couples, it’s no surprise that Dianne’s relationship with Joe, 33, makes headlines. She recently had to fend off talk that they’re engaged after she was pictured with a ring on her wedding ring finger.
Dianne spoke to heat about those engagement rumours and more...
We love how you shut down the engagement chat last month...
That was a genuine mistake by me. I had to put my ring on that finger because it was the only one that wasn’t puffed up from flying to Australia. I even posed for pictures with it! I didn’t realise it would make such a commotion.
So there’s no engagement?
No!
What did Joe think about that?
Joe does not look at any stories like that. He’s not bothered – it never affects him.
What’s the secret to your relationship?
Having fun. Both of us don’t take ourselves overly seriously. Having a laugh with each other keeps things fresh and happy. That’s key in our relationship, for sure.
Do you guys still dance together?
It does happen! Joe loves ballroom. He’s very old school, so he’ll start doing a waltz with me. I love it, because he tries to lead me and he’s still very good. He goes into proper Strictly mode – he instantly puts his head up to the left and his arms go really high. He’s probably got better posture than me.
How does it feel returning to Strictly this year?
This will be my ninth year and I still love it. I get butterflies every time I go back. It’s like going back for a new year at school, except I feel like I’m still in primary school. While I still have that feeling, it would be a shame to say I didn’t want to do it any more. I always said if that feeling ever changed, it would only be right to step aside and let someone else have a turn to feel that.
This year will be extra special, because you’re returning as the reigning champion…
It’s very special to have that title, but it doesn’t change anything. I’ll still go into it exactly the same as any other year.
How did it feel to finally win after being a finalist twice before?
I was so used to clapping for someone else, it felt quite surreal. It was a special moment. I’m so glad I got the chance to do that with Chris.
Where do you keep your trophy?
I keep mine in my office. When I’m working on something difficult, it gives me a boost of energy and inspiration. It reminds me that if you keep going long and hard enough, it might result in something very magical.
You’re touring with your fellow Strictly pro Vito Coppola next month – how’s that going?
I’m so excited. This dance show has been two years in the making. It’s going to surprise a lot of people. There’s things in there that you’d never see us do on Strictly, I’ll put it that way! It’s an emotional roller coaster. We want people to laugh and cry with us.
What is it about you and Vito that creates magic?
From day one, Vito and I just clicked. He reminded me a lot of my Italian mum’s family with his personality, his mindset and the things he would say. He could literally be my crazy cousin! So, it was a no-brainer for us to do the show together because of the camaraderie we have.
We know about your love for The Traitors – could we see you on Celebrity Traitors?
I would love to do that. Every time I play Traitors at home, I’m always voted out first. Everyone thinks that I am lying, and I’m just trying to help the team out. I’m very vocal, so I start to talk, and then they all think I’m being shady, so I always get voted out. So, I’ve decided not to play anymore.
Tell us about your starring role in Bluey Dancealongs...
When I was asked to team up with Bluey for Dancealongs, it was a no-brainer. I love Bluey so much. My nieces and nephews are obsessed, so it felt right. I’ve created five different dance routines that will be on the official Bluey YouTube. I’m the coolest aunty now. For them, this tops winning the Glitterball!
Watch Bluey Dancealongs starring Dianne Buswell on Official Bluey YouTube. Tickets for Dianne & Vito Red Hot And Ready tour are available now.