Strictly Come Dancing star Stefan Dennis appeared on It Takes Two via video message tonight (October 13) and confirmed that he and Dianne Buswell are back in the training room.
Stefan and Dianne were forced to miss Saturday night’s live show (October 11) after the Neighbours heart-throb fell ill.
However, on the BBC Two spin-off show tonight, Stefan confirmed that he’s back dancing with Dianne. It came after his wife Gail cast doubt on his future in the competition.
Dianne Buswell and Stefan Dennis are back in the studio rehearsing (Credit: BBC)
Stefan Dennis confirms Strictly future
The pair appeared on It Takes Two tonight and Stefan confirmed that he is planning on being back in the ballroom this coming weekend.
He also explained that he and Dianne have been back in rehearsals today.
He said: “Hi everyone. Just want to say thank you very much for all your support and well wishes while I was away last week. We’re back in the training room and, if all goes well – which it will – I’m going to be back on the floor with the lovely Dianne this Saturday. I’m looking forward to it.”
Dianne then said: “And what dance are we doing?” “We might be just doing the Charleston,” he said, as they both gave a jazz hands wave.
The Strictly pro then commented: “But honestly, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the support and love. And we are very, very excited to be back in the training room. Mwah!”
They’ll be dancing a Charleston on Saturday night’s show (Credit: BBC)
What happened to Stefan Dennis last week?
Stefan and Dianne were forced to miss Saturday’s live show – a Movie Week special – due to the actor’s illness.
A statement shared on Friday night by the BBC read: “Due to illness over the past few days, Stefan Dennis has been advised by doctors to rest and, as a result, he will not dance this weekend.”
It added: “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.”
Stefan had been due to perform a Waltz with Dianne on Saturday night. Dressed as Shrek, they were due to dance to It Is You (I Have Loved) from the movie. Dianne did feature on the show in the Clauditorium. However, Stefan was noticeably absent.
Tonight’s It Takes Two saw Stefan Dennis and Dianne Buswell appear alongside host Janette Manrara. And the Strictly Come Dancing stars’ interview was briefly halted while the presenter offered her double congratulations to the pair.
As Strictly fans will know, Dianne is pregnant with her first baby. She’s making history as the first show pro to take part in the series while pregnant. The baby – that she’s expecting with partner Joe Sugg – is due next spring.
Stefan, meanwhile, has also had reason to celebrate this week…
It Takes Two host Janette Manrara was over the moon for Strictly stars Stefan and Dianne (Credit: BBC)
Double celebration for Strictly stars Stefan and Dianne
Stefan and Dianne were the fourth Strictly 2025 couple to appear on tonight’s It Takes Two (October 1).
After a clip of their Week 1 foxtrot to the Neighbours theme tune played out, Janette declared: “Now, before we get into things, can we have a massive round of applause for you Stefan for winning Best Daytime Star for Paul Robinson at the Inside Soap Awards,” as Dianne cheered.
Then it was Dianne’s turn to have the spotlight turned on her.
“Plus,” said Janette, “of course a huge congratulations to Dianne and Joe on the wonderful baby news!” Stefan cheered as Janette added: “We all love you here at It Takes Two and it’s just amazing.”
“Thank you,” said Dianne, before Janette declared: “But let’s talk about the dancing.”
Dianne wasn’t the only one offered congratulations tonight, Stefan was too after an award win (Credit: BBC)
‘Tricks up their sleeve’ for Week 2
The Aussie pals then spoke about how much they enjoyed their first live show, before revealing how training for Week 2 is coming along. They’ll dance a cha cha on Saturday’s live show (October 4).
“We’ve got a couple of tricks up our sleeves,” Stefan teased, as a training room clip showed behind them on screen.
“It’s kind of like a video-clip style of dance,” said Dianne. “So we’re taking you back to an 80s video clip, and we’re going to have full 80s outfits and there might be a mullet,” she said, explaining the dance will be “entertaining, colourful and fun”.
Wrapping up the interview, Janette told Dianne and Stefan: “Good luck this weekend, I hope it goes well. One more time congratulations for all the amazing-ness that’s happening.”
Strictly star Dianne Buswell has received backlash after revealing that she’ll take part in this year’s series while pregnant with her first baby.
Dianne and partner Joe Sugg announced that they’re expecting their first baby – a little boy – over the weekend.
However, talk in the comments section of the couple’s announcement soon turned to this year’s Strictly, and if Dianne would compete.
She fired back at comments with a defiant “why wouldn’t I?” and now a doctor has weighed in, telling critics that “healthy women can safely continue exercise with proper precautions, tailored intensity and medical monitoring”.
It’ll be the first time in the show’s history that a competitor on the show has taken part while pregnant.
Strictly star Dianne Buswell thanked her fans for their messages of congratulations (Credit: Instagram)
Dianne Buswell does have a celebrity partner this year
The Aussie pro dancer won the series last year and she’s back to try and retain the Glitterball Trophy alongside her as-yet-unnamed celebrity partner. We’ll find out who Dianne is paired with on Saturday night (September 20), when the launch show airs.
And, despite backlash from some quarters, Dr Jack Ogden, a GP at The Lagom Clinic in Bristol, told ED! that Dianne’s participation in the series “isn’t unsafe”. However, he did warn that it’ll need “medical oversight, modified routines and careful monitoring” – all things we’re sure the Strictly team have in place for the reigning champ!
Dianne’s as-yet-unnamed partner has already shown his support (Credit: Instagram)
‘Pregnancy does not require giving up exercise’
Jack said: “Pregnancy does not require giving up exercise. In fact, the right kind of physical activity can improve outcomes for both mother and baby.
“While Dianne Buswell’s participation in Strictly during pregnancy isn’t inherently unsafe, it requires medical oversight, modified routines and careful monitoring.”
He also added: “NHS guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity weekly during pregnancy, noting benefits such as reduced risk of gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and excessive weight gain.”
Jack did say, however, that certain adaptations will be needed as Dianne progresses in her pregnancy. “Dance can be safe if adapted to avoid falls, overheating and abdominal trauma. However, competitive dance involves high-intensity routines,” he explained. “This heightens risks such as dehydration, joint strain and loss of balance, especially as pregnancy progresses.
“Critics may worry about fetal safety under physical stress. However, evidence indicates that healthy women can safely continue exercise with proper precautions, tailored intensity and medical monitoring.”
To get the best out of Strictly while pregnant, Dianne will need “personalised care, choreography adjustments and regular check-ins with healthcare providers”.
‘The key is moderation’
The GP also recommends staying hydrated and listening to her body and stop and rest if she feels unwell.
“With proper adjustments and medical guidance, competing while pregnant is not only safe but can also support physical and emotional wellbeing. The key is moderation, supervision and prioritising maternal and fetal health above performance,” he concluded.
For more information on exercising while pregnant, speak to your GP or midwife.
Strictly 2024 is back for its 20th year and already the nation’s favourite dance show has gone out with a bang.
Tonight’s episode (September 14) revealed who the 15 celebrities are paired with and what dances they will take on next week. However, a couple of fan-favourite professional dancers have not been teamed with a celebrity partner.
Despite making it to Blackpool with Angela Rippon last year, Kai Waddington has not been assigned a celebrity. Sadly, the same goes for Lauren Oakley and Carlos Gu.
That said, Lauren still admitted it feels “really special“ to be a part of Strictly’s 20th anniversary. “I’ve watched the show growing up. I watched the first episode, so I can’t believe I’m now part of it, especially in such a monumental year. It’s the best show on telly, so I’m not surprised it’s lasted 20 years, and I just feel really lucky to be part of it. It’s amazing,“ she said.
Dianne Buswell will be teaching Chris McCausland to dance (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024: Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell
Comedian Chris McCausland has been paired with Australian dancer Dianne Buswell, who made it to last year’s finals with EastEnders star Bobby Brazier.
For their first dance, Chris and Dianne will perform the Cha Cha to The Beatles’ iconic Twist and Shout.
Joking to hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman about their partnership, Chris quipped: “She is absolutely over the moon having me because she [Dianne] really wants November off. You’ve got a holiday booked, haven’t you?!”
Jamie Borthwick is Michelle Tsiakkas’ first-ever celebrity partner (Credit: BBC)
Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas
After winning last year’s Christmas special, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick signed himself up for the 2024 series. He has been paired with Michelle Tsiakkas.
After joining the Strictly family in 2022, this is the first time Michelle has been assigned a partner. “It’s a dream come true to finally be able to dance on that Strictly dance floor with a partner and what better partner than Jamie to dance with. I’m so happy!” she said.
During week one, the pair will perform a Viennese Waltz to Benson Boone’s recent chart-topper, Beautiful Things.
Asked about his time on the Strictly Christmas Special last year, Jamie said: “That’s what swung me hook, line and sinker. I don’t quite know how I managed to win that, but this is a whole different ball game! I don’t think I can blag it for a whole 13 weeks.”
Amy Dowden is back for 2024 and she’s partnered with JB Gill (Credit: BBC)
JB Gill and Amy Dowden
Like Jamie, JLS star JB Gill also competed on a Christmas special and took home the glitterball trophy. Clearly, the Beat Again hitmaker wants the full experience and has been assigned Amy Dowden as his partner.
The Welsh dancer returns to the show after having to step back last year due to her cancer diagnosis. “I’m delighted, it just feels like my first year all over again. I just want JBto have the best time and fall in love with dancing,” Amy said.
Their first dance will be a Waltz to Leo Sayer’s When I Need You.
Johannes Radebe is partnered with Gladiators star Montell Douglas (Credit: BBC)
For their first dance, Montell and Johannes will perform a Foxtrot to Dinah Washington’s Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby.
“It feels like a full circle moment, not just for me, but for everybody that’s ever been involved since its inception, from 2004 until now. I think everybody should just be proud that it’s still going. It’s just amazing,” he said about the upcoming series.
Asked if she felt pleased to be partnered with Johannes, Montell said: “How can you not be, I don’t think there is a person on this earth who doesn’t want to be partnered with JoJo, I’m over the moon!”
They then joked that their team name would be MoJo!
Luba Mushtuk has been tasked with teaching Nick Knowles to dance (Credit: BBC)
Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk
After gracing our screens for several decades, DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles is giving Strictly a go. To help teach him his moves, he has been paired with Luba Mushtuk.
Asked if he thought theirs was a good match by the hosts, TV favourite Nick said: “Yes, absolutely. I wanted someone who’d be patient. She’s a world-class dancer, so how can it possibly go wrong? Although, it’s a bit like taking an F1 world champion and putting them in a beaten-up old builder’s van to race…. We’ll see how it goes. I have had a bit of body work done, though – a spray paint, literally!”
Their first dancing during week one will be a Jive to Starship’s We Built This City.
Strictly’s longest-serving pro Karen Hauer is partnered with Paul Merson (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024: Paul Merson and Karen Hauer
Former footballer Paul Merson will be taught how to dance by Karen Hauer. “I just want him to enjoy himself,” said Karen. “I want everyone to enjoy themselves because this is one of the greatest experiences – we’re going to have the most fun!”
Keeping with the theme of footie, Paul and Karen will perform an American Smooth to Fat Les’ anthem Vindaloo.
Jowita Przystal and partner Pete Wicks have already sparked romance rumours (Credit: BBC)
Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal
After not having much luck with Olympian Jody Cundy last year, maybe Jowita Przystal will return to the top of the leaderboard with her 2024 partner Pete Wicks. They’ve already sparked romance rumours!
Asked if he was pleased to be partnered with Jowita by Claudia, Pete said: “100%. The little pocket rocket? I’ve got this in the bag now, I’ve changed my mind – I’m going to win it.”
However, after being told their first performance will be a Paso Doble to The Prodigy’s Breathe, Pete looked confused and said: “What’s a Paso Doble?”
Gorka Marquez returns for 2024 and is partnered with Dr Punan Krishnan (Credit: BBC)
Dr Punam Krishnan and Gorka Marquez
Strictly favourite Gorka Marquez is teamed up with TV doctor Punam Krishnan.
As he returns to the show once again, Gorka revealed it’s a “privilege” to be a part of the 20th anniversary.
“It’s the dreams of any professional dancer to be on the biggest TV show on telly but also to be celebrating 20 years doesn’t happen very often. It’s incredible to be celebrating a show that has been running successfully for 20 years with so many memorable moments. To be part of something that has touched so many lives is incredible. I’m very excited to celebrate it,” he said.
Dr Punam said: “I’m absolutely buzzing. I think we are the perfect pairing. I feel honoured, because you’ve got so many years of experience.”
Their first performance will be a Cha Cha to pop princess Kylie Minogue’s Love At First Sight.
Tasha Ghouri is partnered with returning pro Aljaz Skorjanec (Credit: BBC)
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec
Model, author and dancer Tasha Ghouri might have previous experience, but she’s about to learn a whole lot more now that she’s partnered with returning pro Aljaž Škorjanec.
The pair will show off their moves to Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso in the style of a Cha Cha.
Speaking about her pro partner, Tasha quipped: “I am absolutely ecstatic! He’s so fun – chaos, but I love a bit of chaos energy. Honestly, we mesh so well, and I’m so excited. He’s already teaching me little moves, and I’m trying to keep up, but I’ve got a very good one here.”
Olympian Tom Dean has been paired with Nadiya Bychkova (Credit: BBC)
“I’m super happy, he’s not just a swimmer..he’s a winner!” Nadiya quipped of the gold medal-winning swimmer.
For their first dance, they will perform a Tango to Harry Styles’ Golden.
Neil Jones has a celebrity partner this year in Toyah Willcox (Credit: BBC)
Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones
1980s icon Toyah Willcox has been paired with Neil Jones. It will be Neil’s first celebrity pairing since 2021.
“I’ve been around the show for about 10 years so it’s incredible to be a part of this for that long,” he said about his time on the show. Toyah said of her partner: “I met Neil and I was in heaven. All of you are beautiful boys but not as beautiful as Neil!”
Toyah and Neil will also perform a Tango to Madonna’s Ray of Light.
Sam Quek will be dancing with Nikita Kuzmin (Credit: BBC)
The Ukrainian-Italian professional just missed out on the glitterball trophy with actor Layton Williams last year. So could 2024 be his year?
Sam and Nikita’s first dance will be a Foxtrot to Where Did Our Love Go by The Supremes.
Olympian Sam told Tess: “I’m so nervous. I’ve never felt nerves like it. It’s the unknown. Look at me, this isn’t me. I didn’t recognise myself in the mirror!”
Sarah Hadland has been paired with reigning champ Vito Coppola (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024: Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola
After winning the show with former Corrie star Ellie Leach last year, Vito Coppola has been paired with another actor, Sarah Hadland.
Asked if he thinks he’ll lift the glitter ball again this year, Vito said: “Honestly you know I love to enjoy and live in the moment and the present. Sarah and me have the same energy. I see Sarah as sparkling water, bubbly. We are going to live this journey as a bubble!”
For their first dance, Sarah and Vito will perform a Quickstep to Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5.
Shayne Ward is with Nancy Xu for Strictly 2024 (Credit: BBC)
Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu
After finishing last in 2023, hopefully, Nancy Xu will have more luck with former X Factor winner and actor Shayne Ward.
“I think Nancy is a phenomenal dancer and I feel so blessed that she’s with me on this journey,” said Shayne.
Katya Jones will be dancing with Wynne Jones this time around (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024: Wynne Evans and Katya Jones
Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans has been paired with Katya Jones.
“I didn’t have a clue who I was going to get,” Wynne said.”Obviously, I’m older so I didn’t know who would take me on as it were, then we went to the venue and in walks the cockney Russian!”
Claudia asked Katya what her plans for Wynne were, she said: “I think no plan is brilliant. This man was born to win!”
For the first dance next weekend, they perform a Samba to Tom Jones’ Help Yourself.
After upping sticks from Sussex, the pair have been documenting the renovations of their seaside property and on Friday, the Strictly Come Dancing professional shared a never-before-seen corner of their stylish home.
Taking to her Instagram Stories, Dianne revealed the stylish bookcase they have that cascades up one of their white walls. The hardwood feature is comprised of stacked rectangles that hold books, plants and a neon portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
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Dianne first shared a glimpse of the new feature earlier this week and followed up, writing: “Lots have you have asked me where our bookcase is from so I have linked it for you.” Adding: “FYI Joe’s foot is not for sale.” The modern bookcase is from John Lewis and retails at £499.00.
The piece is perfectly in keeping with Dianne and Joe’s chic boohoo-aesthetic theme throughout their huge abode.
The kitchen
One of the main areas the couple have been able to incorporate their avant-garde decor is in their kitchen and dining room.
Dianne and Joe have opted for a boho-chic theme throughout the house
Their wooden dining table features the chicest faux fur shaggy seat covers both on the bench side and on the chairs that sit opposite. Meanwhile, the couple have opted for hessian-style placemats on top of the table.
A similar colourway runs throughout the rest of their home, think hessian rugs and shaggy throws as well as copious amounts of indoor green plants.
The master bedroom
Dianne and Joe have moved into the master bedroom of dreams. The ginormous room currently has immaculate white walls an oversized plush grey rug and a gorgeous ensuite which is decked out in stylish, grey tiles.
Joe and Dianne met whilst being partnered on Strictly Come Dancing in 2018. Following their stint on the show, they announced their relationship in January 2019 and have been together ever since.
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Star of Strictly Come Dancing Dianne Buswell has opened up to fans about why she was upset during last week’s show (October 14).
The professional dancer, who is teamed up with EastEnders actor Bobby Brazier, appeared in an emotional state, leaving fans concerned.
In her latest YouTube vlog, the 34-year-old has come clean about the situation.
Fans noticed Dianne wasn’t her usual self last week (Credit: BBC)
Dianne received concerning news about her dad
In a Q&A with her YouTube subscribers, Dianne revealed that she had received a lot of questions about how she was feeling after last weekend.
In her response, she detailed that her dad, Mark, is unwell and has impacted her.
“I thought I would be very upfront and honest with you all. Last week, I got some news about my dad’s health and I won’t go into detail, but obviously, that affected me,” Dianne said.
“Being away from home and not being able to support and help your family in a time of need is quite a difficult thing so I did struggle a little bit last week in terms of that,” she continued.
Dianne teared up last Saturday following health concerns surrounding her dad (Credit: BBC)
Initially, Dianne’s family had plans to visit the UK for Christmas and watch her perform on Strictly. However, that won’t be the case now. Instead, she will return to her native Australia after the show.
“There is a little road ahead for my dad but I believe 10 percent he is going to be fine and we are all going to get through it together,” Dianne added.
“My dad is the sweetest, kindest man you will ever meet and the one thing he really wants is for me to keep going and to keep dancing my little heart out and doing what I love because that makes him the absolute proudest.”
Fans share their support
In the comments section of the upload, fans shared their support for Dianne.
“Love & prayers for Dianne’s Dad. Good luck to you and Bobby for the Waltz this weekend,” one user wrote.
“Sending lots of best wishes to your dad and hoping he will be well again soon,” another person shared.
“So sorry to hear about Mark wishing him a speedy recovery,” a third remarked.
“Sending my thoughts and prayers to your dad for a speedy recovery,” a fourth commented.
“Your dad will always be proud of you dianne. sending him so much love and well wishes xx,” a fifth user wrote.
