Dani Dyer arrived at Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals on Thursday in easy-to-move gym attire, signaling day two of the BBC competition’s preparations. The Love Island alum wore a green gym T-shirt with black leggings, pairing the look with black short UGG boots and a coordinated green fleece tied around her waist. She walked into the studio carrying a Louis Vuitton handbag and a large clear plastic bag packed with trainers, heels, clothing and her lunch as she headed to the next round of practice. Dyer, who has been open about using the show as a chance to reintroduce a more daring, fashion-forward side of herself, has said she intends to push boundaries on screen and in outfits she might not wear elsewhere.
The 29-year-old mother of three also spoke candidly about her reasons for joining the competition, telling The Daily Mail she hopes to feel sexy again after becoming a wife and mother. She explained that Strictly has given her an excuse to dress up and flirt with style in a way that suits her evolving life. Her remarks come as she navigates the infamous Strictly curse, which some contestants worry about with cameras capturing audiences and celebrities alike. Dyer added that her husband, Jarrod Bowen, will be the one most affected by the spectacle of the audience, rather than fearing she will stray. However, she stressed that the couple is strong: he and Dyer married in May, and she is now a mother to Santiago, four, from a prior relationship, and 1-year-old twins Summer and Star with Jarrod.
Dyer said she cannot wait to feel a little sexy again and is excited to balance motherhood with competing on a high-profile stage. She recalled her Love Island days, noting that she kept a relatively modest style then and is now ready to experiment with more daring pieces. “I’ve been a mum, you know what I mean,” she said, describing the shift toward a more fearless fashion sense. “I’m going to push the boundaries.” The star emphasized that her renewed confidence is about enjoyment and personal expression as much as performance.
Alongside her personal preparations, the show is also spotlighting its professional roster as rehearsals get underway. Dyer’s fellow participants and pros are gearing up for the weekends’ launch show, with a mix of prior experience and fresh energy anticipated on the dance floor. Dyer’s approach to the competition appears rooted in fun and resilience, as she navigates public scrutiny and the realities of balancing her family life with a demanding rehearsal schedule.
Elsewhere at the studio, Dianne Buswell, one of Strictly’s most recognizable pros, arrived amid discussions about the wellbeing of the show’s teams. Buswell, 36, who is pregnant, joined the group while insiders warned about the potential toll of a gruelling rehearsal timetable. She and her celebrity partner Joe Sugg are expecting a baby boy, a development the production has acknowledged as casting into a new light. Buswell’s outfit—a casual oversized white T-shirt that covered her baby bump and black joggers—kept her comfortable as she rejoined the group. The couple announced the pregnancy last week, and fans quickly wondered how the schedule would adapt to the added responsibility of preparing for a child.
Buswell reflected on her early dance roots during rehearsals, explaining that she began at a small dance school in east London and cherished those early steps. Yet she admitted that as a teenager she drifted away from formal training and questioned whether she could have pursued a different path. “I look at the professional dancers and think maybe I should have been a dancer, but I can’t move that well,” she quipped, offering a candid snapshot of the challenges that come with balancing peak television demands with personal circumstances. Her comments underscored a broader narrative about Strictly’s ability to showcase both the high-glamour moment and the human side of its participants.
As the launch weekend approaches, producers are juggling a mix of anticipation and caution. The program has long been a blend of glitz and hard work, and the current cohort’s personal stories—ranging from newly minted marriages and expanding families to second acts on screen—are shaping the tone of this season’s build-up. While Dani Dyer’s return to the dance floor has drawn attention for style and presence, Buswell’s pregnancy introduces a new layer of consideration for the show’s pacing and choreography. In the coming days, fans will be watching how the pair’s experiences influence their performances, and how the broader cast adapts to the evolving rhythm of rehearsals.
Both storylines showcase the enduring appeal of Strictly Come Dancing: a program that blends star power with real-life moments, as the cast navigates the pressures of live television, personal milestones, and the hope of delivering memorable performances week after week.