Pregnant Dianne Buswell is forced to shut down rumours that Stefan Dennis’ illness is a ‘cover up’ for her not being able to dance after the couple pulled out of this week’s Strictly
Dianne Buswell has been forced to shut down rumors that the real reason she and Stefan Dennis pulled out of this week’s Strictly was because she couldn’t dance.
The 36-year-old professional dancer announced last month that she was expecting her first child with partner Joe Sugg, becoming the first star to compete on the show while pregnant.
But on Friday it was revealed that she and her Australian partner Stefan would not be able to dance in the Saturday night show due to Stefan’s illness.
And now on Saturday morning Dianne has rushed to Instagram to quash rumors that her illness is being used as a ‘cover-up’ for her inability to dance.
He wrote: ‘To clarify, a lot of people messaged me thinking this was a cover up message for not being able to dance!?
‘First of all, we don’t lie about someone being sick! Secondly, I’m fine, yes I’m pregnant but I’m also very talented and I feel really good!’
Dianne Buswell has been forced to shut down rumors that the real reason she and Stefan Dennis pulled out of this week’s Strictly was because she couldn’t dance
The 36-year-old professional dancer announced last month that she was expecting her first child with partner Joe Sugg, becoming the first star to compete on the show while pregnant.
He also explained that there are protocols in place regarding professionals’ illnesses: ‘Thirdly, there are certain things in place in case any professional gets sick or injured.’
This was seen in the previous year’s show; For example, last year, Lauren Oakley filled in for Amy Dowden after Amy withdrew from the competition due to injury.
On Friday, it was announced that the 66-year-old Neighbors actor and Dianne will be cleared to appear on next week’s show, when it is hoped Stefan will recover again.
The statement shared by Strictly on Instagram said: ‘Due to the illness he has been experiencing for the last few days, Stefan Dennis has been advised to rest and as a result he will not be dancing this weekend.
‘In keeping with Strictly rules, Stefan and Dianne will say goodbye until next week and we hope they can dance again.’
They added in the caption: ‘Stefan Dennis will not be dancing on Saturday night due to illness. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him again in the Ballroom with Dianne next week.’
Dianne wished Stefan well on Instagram, writing: ‘Sending Aussie love to the amazing @stefandennis7. You are a very good soldier and I know how much you want to dance. Hopefully we’ll be back at full strength next week.’
Dianne is said to be ‘going at her own pace’, taking ‘regular breaks’ as she becomes the first fully professional person to compete on the show while pregnant.
She wrote: ‘So many people have messaged me thinking this is a cover up for me not being able to dance!? … I’m fine, yes I’m pregnant, but I’m also very talented and I feel really good!”
Dianne wished Stefan well on Instagram, writing: ‘Hopefully we’ll be back in full force next week.’
Joe and Dianne struck up a romance when they met on the sixteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2018.
An insider told the Daily Mail: ‘There are care and welfare measures in place for everyone working on Strictly.
‘As with all sessions, there will be regular breaks and rest/warm-up periods and the rehearsal will be led by Dianne and adapted to her and her partner’s pace.’
Previously, Sun While he claimed that Diane’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing marathon rehearsal went on for a grueling ten hours’, insiders claimed that wasn’t the case.
Dianne shared the happy news about her pregnancy on Instagram last month.
For the pregnancy trailer, a touching tribute to Elton John’s Little Dancer, the couple set up an easel and pretended to paint a painting, complete with playful drama.
They then took the canvas and showed it to the camera, revealing a drawing of two stick figures (one with Dianne’s signature flaming red hair) holding hands with a baby.
Elsewhere, celebrities and professionals were seen leaving their London hotels ahead of the live show on Saturday (Lewis Cope, pictured)
Oti Mabuse wore a relaxed, knit fit
Lauren Oakley pulled her bag behind her as she headed to the studio
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was casually wearing a black hoodie and joggers
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey was smiling
The couple announced that their first child will be born in 2026, and even revealed the gender of their baby and that they are expecting a boy.
Joe captioned the clip: ‘We can’t wait to meet you our little boy ❤️.’
The couple were inundated with congratulatory comments from friends and fans, with their fellow Strictly stars adding their well wishes.
Joe and Dianne struck up a romance when they met on the sixteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2018.
And Dianne has dropped plenty of hints about her baby plans in recent months, admitting in May that she’s desperate to become a mother.
DEFINITELY LINEUP 2025
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey
Age:36
Job: Olympic Sprinter and Gladiator
Harry says: ‘I’ll bring tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let’s hope I can pick up the routines as quickly as I do on the track.’
Alex Kingston
Age: 62
Job: Doctor Who actor
The actress jokes: ‘My hips don’t lie.’
Balvinder Sopal
Age: 46
Job: EastEnders actor
Balvinder says: ‘I’m too excited to put into words how I feel, but I’m incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing in the ballroom.’
La Voix
Age: 45
Job: drag artist
He says: ‘It’s definitely a national institution and I can’t wait to get started. All I have to say is: good luck to my partner! I hope they can help me get from La Voix to La Danse.’
Thomas Skinner
Age: 34
Job: Reality star and entrepreneur
He says: ‘Bring the sequins, the samba and most importantly BOSH to the ballroom!’
Vicky Pattison
Age: 37
Profession: Reality TV star
She says: ‘I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up… but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared.’
Karen Carney
Age: 38
Profession: Football expert
He says: ‘I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I finally got the chance to take part.’
george clark
Age: 25
Profession: YouTuber
He says: ‘I never thought I’d say this… but I definitely do! ‘Honestly, I have no idea what I’m doing but I’m excited to get stuck in… and potentially fall a bit.’
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Age: 53
Job: Former Chelsea and Netherlands forward and former England manager.
He says: ‘Replacing the pitch with a ballroom is definitely not something I’ve done before but I’m looking forward to tackling a fun challenge! Bring in a new kind of footwork that hopefully doesn’t lead to own goals.’
Ellie Goldstein
Age: 23
Job: Model, influencer and disability ambassador
He says: ‘This is a show I’ve loved watching for a long time and now the chance to be a part of it feels like a dream.’
Chris Robshaw
Age: 39
Job: rugby player
He says: ‘This is as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! I’m hoping to take my dad’s dancing to a whole new level, and my mom can’t wait to drag me to a Zumba class.
Stefan Dennis
Age: 66
Profession: Actor
He says: ‘I can’t wait to shine and reach the sky.’
King of Ross
Age: 63
Profession: Showbiz reporter
She 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
She says: ‘I’m so excited to swap the Dales for the dance floor and take part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.’
Amber Davies
Age: 28
Profession: West End star
He says: ‘This was the craziest 24 hours of my life. ‘I’ve watched Strictly with my family since I was little and now being a part of the show is like a dream come true.’
