Strictly Come Dancing favourite Dianne Buswell has bravely revealed her private battle with mental health demons, confessing she found herself in a "very dark place" before discovering the healing power of movement.
The Australian-born dancer, who has become a household name through the BBC's hit dancing competition, shared her emotional journey during an intimate conversation on the How to Fail podcast with Elizabeth Day.
The Turning Point
Buswell disclosed that her struggles reached their peak when she was just 23, describing a period where she felt completely "lost" and disconnected from her passion for dance. "I was in a very dark place," the 34-year-old confessed. "I didn't want to get out of bed, I didn't want to dance, I didn't want to do anything."
Finding Light Through Movement
It was during this challenging time that Dianne discovered movement could be her salvation. "The only thing that made me feel better was moving my body," she explained. This profound realisation became the foundation for her newly released book, Move Yourself Happy, which aims to help others harness the power of physical activity for mental wellbeing.
The professional dancer, currently partnered with Bobby Brazier on the current series of Strictly, emphasised that her approach isn't about intense workouts or punishing exercise regimes. Instead, she champions gentle movement that brings joy and connection to one's body.
A Message of Hope
Buswell's candid revelation comes as part of her mission to destigmatise conversations around mental health. "I want people to know that it's okay not to be okay," she stated, adding that sharing her story has been both terrifying and liberating.
Her openness about mental health struggles adds another layer to her public persona, showing fans that behind the glitter and glamour of the Strictly ballroom lies a woman who has faced real challenges and emerged stronger.
As Strictly continues to captivate audiences nationwide, Buswell's story serves as a powerful reminder that mental health doesn't discriminate - and that sometimes, the simplest movements can lead to the most significant changes.
