Dianne Buswell, who is pregnant, was photographed leaving the Strictly Come Dancing studios after an 11-and-a-half-hour rehearsal day, with insiders raising concerns about the duration of the schedule and the dancer’s wellbeing amid the series’ demanding pace. The 36-year-old pro announced last week that she is expecting a baby boy with boyfriend Joe Sugg, 34, and she appeared in good spirits as she departed the studios with fellow dancer Vito Coppola.
Buswell arrived at the venue around 10 a.m. and was seen leaving at about 9:21 p.m., wrapping up for the evening in a layered look described by onlookers as practical for a long day: a grey corduroy button-up shirt over a black satin shirt and white T-shirt, paired with black jogging bottoms and off-white trainers. She carried a Superdrug bag as she headed down the stairs alongside Coppola, who wore a black T-shirt and grey shorts, with white socks and Adidas trainers.
Insiders told Daily Mail that duty-of-care and welfare measures are in place for everyone working on Strictly, with sessions typically featuring regular breaks and warm-up periods guided by Buswell and tailored to the pace of her pregnancy. A source said there would be rest opportunities and that the rehearsal was adapted to her needs as she continues to work while pregnant. The insider noted that Buswell is reportedly taking the schedule at her own pace and that rest periods are integrated into the routine for her safety and well-being. The commentary comes after reports from The Sun about a marathon-style 10-hour rehearsal, which insiders disputed, stressing the importance of breaks and individualized pacing.
Leaving the studio separately were former dance partners Jowita Przystal and Pete Wicks. Przystal wore a black knit jumper beneath a black denim jacket with exposed stitching, pairing it with wide-leg black trousers and white trainers, and she carried a Stanley water bottle. Wicks opted for a mustard yellow suede bomber jacket over a navy top with faded blue jeans, and he appeared engrossed in his phone as he departed with a large weekend bag. The pair have previously sparked romance rumors during their Strictly stint, though both were seen leaving separately on this occasion.
The pregnancy announcement came just days before the show’s return for a new series, which is slated to run until the week before Christmas this year. Buswell and Sugg revealed the news in a lighthearted Instagram post showing a painting of two stick figures, one with Buswell’s flaming red hair, holding hands with a baby. The caption confirmed they were expecting a son, with Joe adding, “Our little baby boy ❤️ we cannot wait to meet you.” The couple’s public message was followed by congratulations from fellow Strictly stars and fans alike.
Buswell’s pregnancy marks a milestone for the BBC ballroom program. She has been a fixture on Strictly since joining as a professional, and she and Sugg have discussed expanding their family in recent months. In May, Buswell told a tabloid that she definitely wanted children, indicating that family plans had taken on new urgency as her career and personal life evolved. The pair first publicized their relationship after being partnered on Strictly Come Dancing in 2018, and Buswell later helped the show celebrate a Glitterball Trophy victory with partner Chris McCausland last year.
The lineup for Strictly Come Dancing’s next series includes a range of familiar faces, with several contestants and professionals preparing to take the floor while the show navigates the balance between demanding rehearsals and performers’ well-being. Buswell’s pregnancy adds a new dimension to the show’s production dynamics, highlighting ongoing conversations about duty of care in a high-intensity entertainment environment.
As the season unfolds, fans will watch how Buswell manages rehearsals alongside her pregnancy, and whether the program’s accommodations continue to support her and others on long schedules. The public response to Buswell’s news has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting strong support for expectant parents within high-profile performance contexts. Meanwhile, observers will be watching closely to see how the show integrates pregnancy-related considerations into its traditional training and performances.