Dianne Buswell, a prominent professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, was notably absent from the filming of the show's first group dance for the upcoming season. The occurrence prompted concern among those present at the recording, as Buswell was expected to participate.
The routine, intended to introduce five new dancers and mark what producers are calling a 'new era' for the show, was filmed this week. An insider described the situation as "really odd" and noted that "lots of questions were asked during the breaks about where Dianne was." The crew, however, was reportedly reluctant to provide an explanation.
Buswell, 37, who recently gave birth to her first child with partner Joe Sugg in March, has been a fixture on the show for nine years. She was slated to perform the high-octane group number which is scheduled to air during the launch show.
The BBC declined to comment on Buswell's absence. However, a show insider reassured that "there's no need for fans to be concerned." This insider added that Buswell "has been busy rehearsing with all her fellow Pros over the past month, and will feature in the majority of group numbers this series." Buswell had previously shared on Instagram her feelings about missing her baby boy, Bowden, while away for work.
Strictly Come Dancing is set to introduce five new professional dancers to its lineup: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Mark Karmalita, and Maddie Ingoldsby. The show also sees changes in its hosting lineup, with Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe taking over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Despite these changes, the iconic set at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire has been rebuilt for the new series.
Several long-serving professional dancers, including Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Gorka Marquez, did not return for this season following what was described as a "mass cull."