Strictly Come Dancing professional Dianne Buswell has shared an emotional full-circle moment with her baby son, Bowden, as he joined her in the ballroom during her 2026 run on the BBC One show. The dancer, partnered with Big Brother host Will Best this year, posted a video on Instagram showing her walking onto the dance floor with her son in her arms.
A Return to the Ballroom
Buswell returned to Strictly for her 10th season in September and was paired with Will Best for the contest, which heads into its seventh week on Saturday, November 7. The video she shared transitioned from a clip of her and comedian Chris McCausland walking into the ballroom for their last performance, having won the Glitterball trophy in the 2024 series, to footage of her walking through the studio this week with her son.
The dancer and her partner, YouTube star Joe Sugg, announced they were expecting their first child ahead of the 2025 series, several years after meeting on Strictly when paired together in 2018. Buswell competed with Neighbours star Stefan Dennis last year, but the run ended early when the actor withdrew due to injury. The couple welcomed their son in March, announcing the news on Instagram with the message: "Never felt a love like it. Baby Bowden Mark Richard Sugg. 16/03/26."
Emotional Reactions and Preparation
Buswell captioned the video: "Bowie visited the studio yesterday we had a little dance together! He said the studio looks bigger from inside my tummy [face holding back tears and heart emojis]." The post drew emotional responses from co-stars and fans, including Strictly 2026 contestant Tabby Stoecker, who wrote: "You're such an inspiration," and fellow pro Vito Coppola, who commented: "Bellissimo. I'm crying." Joe's mum, Tracy Sugg, added: "So beautiful I'm in tears too @vitocoppola Bowden certainly took the limelight yesterday. So many cuddles from everyone at Strictly."
Last month, Buswell showed fans how she prepared for one of her and Will's routines, sharing a video of herself dancing at home with her son attached in a baby carrier. She captioned the post: "Choreographing this beautiful waltz with my little boy in my arms makes the dance even more special."
