Dianne Buswell has been forced to shut down rumours that the real reason for her and Stefan Dennis pulling out of this week’s Strictly is because she is unable to dance.
The professional dancer, 36, announced she is expecting her first child with partner Joe Sugg last month, making her the first star to ever compete in the show while pregnant.
Yet on Friday it was revealed she and her fellow Aussie partner Stefan wouldn’t be dancing in Saturday’s night show due to Stefan’s illness.
And now on Saturday morning Dianne rushed to Instagram to squash rumours his illness has been used as a ‘cover up’ for her being unable to dance.
She penned: ‘Just to clarify as I have had lots of people msg me thinking this is a cover up for me being not able to dance!?
‘Firstly we wouldn’t lie especially about somebody being sick! And secondly I am fine, yes I am pregnant but I’m also very capable and feeling really good!’
Dianne Buswell has been forced to shut down rumours that the real reason for her and Stefan Dennis pulling out of this week’s Strictly is because she is unable to dance
The professional dancer, 36, announced she is expecting her first child with partner Joe Sugg last month, making her the first star to ever compete in the show while pregnant
She also explained that their are protocols in place regarding the professionals sickness as she added: ‘Thirdly there are things in place if any pro were to get sick or injured’.
This has been seen in previous year’s on the show, for example last year Lauren Oakley filled in for Amy Dowden with JB Gill after Amy had to withdraw from the competition due to injury.
On Friday it was announced the Neighbours actor, 66, and Dianne will receive a pass to next week’s show when it’s hoped Stefan will be well again.
A statement from Strictly shared on Instagram read: ‘Due to illness over the past few days, Stefan Dennis has been advised to rest and, as a result, he will not dance this weekend.
‘In line with the rules of Strictly, Stefan and Dianne will receive a bye through to next week when they will hopefully be able to dance again.’
In the caption, they added: ‘Stefan Dennis won’t be dancing on Saturday night due to illness. We wish him a speedy recovery and will hopefully see him back in the Ballroom with Dianne next week.’
Dianne took to Instagram and wished Stefan well, writing: ‘Sending Aussie love to the wonderful @stefandennis7. You are such a trooper and I know how much you wanted to dance. Hopefully we will be back in full force next week.’
Dianne is said to be ‘taking it at her own pace’ with ‘regular breaks’ as she becomes the first ever Strictly professional to compete on the show while pregnant.
She penned: ‘I have had lots of people msg me thinking this is a cover up for me being not able to dance!? … I am fine, yes I am pregnant but I’m also very capable and feeling really good!”
Dianne took to Instagram and wished Stefan well, writing: ‘Hopefully we will be back in full force next week’
Joe and Dianne struck up a romance when they were paired together during the sixteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2018
An insider told Daily Mail: ‘There are duty of care and welfare measures in place for everyone working on Strictly.
‘As with all sessions, there will have been regular breaks and rest/warm-up periods, and the rehearsal will have been led by Dianne and tailored to the pace of her and her partner.’
Previously, The Sun claimed Diane’s ‘marathon Strictly Come Dancing rehearsal went on for a gruelling ten hours,’ with insiders claiming that was not the case.
Dianne shared her happy news about her pregnancy to her Instagram last month.
For their pregnancy reveal video, poignantly set to Elton John‘s Tiny Dancer, the couple set up an easel and pretended to paint a picture together, with playful dramatics.
They then picked up the canvas to display it to the camera, revealing a drawing of two stickmen – one with Dianne’s signature flaming red hair – holding hands with a baby.
Elsewhere, the celebrities snd professionals were seen leaving their London hotel on Saturday ahead of the live show (Lewis Cope pictured)
Oti Mabuse wore a comfortable knitted co-ord
Lauren Oakley pulled her suitcase behind her as she left for the studio
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink wore a casual black hoodie and joggers
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey was all smiles
The couple added that their first child was due in 2026 and even revealed the sex of their little one, declaring they were expecting a son.
Joe captioned the clip: ‘Our little baby boy ❤️ we cannot wait to meet you’.
The couple were flooded with congratulatory comments from friends and fans, with their fellow Strictly stars leading the well wishes.
Joe and Dianne struck up a romance when they were paired together during the sixteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2018.
And Dianne has made lots of hints towards their baby plans in recent months, admitting in May that she was desperate to become a mum.
STRICTLY LINEUP 2025
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey
Age: 36
Profession: Olympic Sprinter and Gladiator
Harry says: ‘I’ll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let’s hope I’m as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.’
Alex Kingston
Age: 62
Profession: Doctor Who actress
The actress teases: ‘My hips don’t lie.’
Balvinder Sopal
Age: 46
Profession: EastEnders actress
Balvinder says: ‘I’m far too excited to put into words how I feel but I’m incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom.’
La Voix
Age: 45
Profession: Drag performer
She says: ‘Strictly is a national institution and I can’t wait to get started. All that’s left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here’s hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse.’
Thomas Skinner
Age: 34
Profession: Reality star and entrepreneur
He says: ‘Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!’
Vicky Pattison
Age: 37
Profession: Reality TV star
She says: ‘I’m absolutely buzzing to be part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up… but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified.’
Karen Carney
Age: 38
Profession: Football pundit
She says: ‘I’m such a huge fan of the show and I can’t believe I’m finally getting the chance to take part.’
George Clark
Age: 25
Profession: YouTuber
He says: ‘Never thought I’d say this… but I’m doing Strictly! Honestly, I’ve got no idea what I’m doing but I’m excited to get stuck in … and potentially fall over a fair bit.’
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Age: 53
Profession: Former Chelsea and Netherlands striker and ex-England coach.
He says: ‘Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I’ve done before but I’m looking forward to tackling a fun challenge! Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals.’
Ellie Goldstein
Age: 23
Profession: Model, influencer and disability ambassador
She says: ‘It’s a show I’ve loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream’.
Chris Robshaw
Age: 39
Profession: Rugby player
He says: ‘This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! I’m hoping to take my dad-dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can’t wait to drag me along to her Zumba class’.
Stefan Dennis
Age: 66
Profession: Actor
He says: ‘Looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky.’
Ross King
Age: 63
Profession: Showbiz correspondent
He says: ‘I can’t wait to learn from the best, meet my fellow contestants, and, most importantly… try not to step on too many toes!’
Lewis Cope
Age: 30
Profession: Actor
He says: ‘I’m so excited to be swapping the Dales for the dance floor and joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.’
Amber Davies
Age: 28
Profession: West End star
She says: ‘This has been the craziest 24 hours of my life. I’ve watched Strictly with my family since I was younger and to now be part of the show is a dream come true.’
