Dianne Buswell and her partner Joe Sugg announced on Sunday that they are expecting their first child, and the Strictly Come Dancing professional will compete on the forthcoming series while pregnant — a first for the show.
The couple shared the news in an Instagram video set to Elton John’s "Tiny Dancer," in which they pretended to paint together before revealing a drawing of two stick figures and a baby. Joe Sugg captioned the clip: "Our little baby boy ❤️ we cannot wait to meet you," and the post said the child is due in 2026.
The announcement comes one week before the BBC series returns to screens, with the new run scheduled to continue until the week before Christmas. Producers and the programme have not issued a formal statement on how Buswell’s pregnancy will be accommodated during the live competition, but the declaration marks a notable moment for the long-running entertainment show. No professional dancer on Strictly has previously taken part while pregnant; several past professionals, including Erin Boag, stepped away from the programme upon becoming pregnant.
Celebrities and fellow Strictly stars responded to the couple’s news on social media. Dancer Vito Coppola wrote: "THIS IS BELLISSIMOOOOO ❤️ The First Strictly Baby. Cannot wait to meet him and I promise to be the best crazy Italian uncle." Stacey Dooley, who has a daughter with former Strictly partner Kevin Clifton, posted a celebratory response, while Johannes Radebe, Amy Dowden, Vicky Pattison and athlete Harry Aikines-Aryeetey also offered congratulations in comment threads.
Buswell and Sugg began a relationship after being partnered for series 16 of Strictly Come Dancing in 2018. In interviews earlier this year, Buswell had spoken about wanting to become a mother and about the challenges of balancing a demanding performance career with family life. In May she told reporters she would like children and acknowledged that juggling motherhood with professional commitments would require careful planning. In a later interview she said she believed parenthood would happen at the right time.
Buswell has remained a prominent figure on the show. She won the Glitterball Trophy last year with partner Chris McCausland and in May accepted a TV BAFTA for Best TV Moment linked to McCausland’s widely praised blackout waltz. The accolade recognised a dance choreographed to highlight the comedian’s visual impairment and followed earlier high-profile routines on the programme.
The couple’s announcement prompted a wave of congratulations from fans and peers on social media, reflecting the public profile both have maintained since rising to prominence on Strictly. Organisers of the forthcoming series have yet to comment on casting adjustments or how Buswell’s participation might be managed through the season.
The new series of Strictly Come Dancing is due to begin in the coming week, and Buswell’s participation while pregnant will be watched closely by viewers and colleagues alike as the show enters its latest run.