Dianne Buswell to dance on Strictly live show while pregnant, a first for the franchise

Dianne Buswell, a longtime Strictly Come Dancing professional, is set to compete on the show's live episode while pregnant, a historic moment for the BBC ballroom series. The Australian dancer is expecting a baby boy with her partner, YouTuber and former contestant Joe Sugg, with the due date expected next year.

Buswell disclosed on her and Chris McCausland's Winning Isn't Everything podcast that doctors have advised she should continue dancing, given her lifelong training. "I'm still doing everything I did before," she said. "Obviously with lifts there's going to be a bit more caution. But my doctor has said everything is normal." She added that since she has danced since childhood, continuing to perform is possible with careful management, and that the show has a back-up plan in place if needed. "If you've done it before, in terms of being a dancer and you've done this, done that, then crack on and keep doing what you're doing." Strictly producers have a contingency—something they prepare each year—having previously turned to pros like Kevin Clifton and Lauren Oakley to cover for others when necessary.

Janette Manrara, US dancer and former Strictly pro from 2012 to 2020, said she loved dancing while pregnant. Manrara, who discovered her pregnancy while performing in a 2022 show, described feeling empowered on stage with her unborn child present. She has since hosted Strictly - It Takes Two and led a live tour while pregnant, continuing gym work with guidance from doctors and continuing weight training until about six months into pregnancy. Her message to Buswell was to embrace the moment and enjoy a passion that remains possible during pregnancy. "Some days might be better than others, so just take them as they come and ride the waves as they flow." She noted that her time on Strictly included memorable moments, from salsa on launch week to partnerships with Will Bayley and HRVY, before moving into television hosting.

Lucy Balfour, a ballet dancer who has worked with Rambert and the Royal New Zealand Ballet, recalled finding joy in performing Ghost Dances while pregnant with her first child. She emphasized adapting, trusting, and listening to the changing body, and highlighted the value of pre- and postnatal classes she teaches through Dance Mama. "I noticed there were moves that became more challenging as pregnancy progressed, so I intuitively adapted," she said. She argued that the positive endorphins from dance can benefit both mother and child and that continuing to move can help maintain strength and confidence.

Physio Ilana Marismari of Maternally Fit, which helps expectant mothers in London stay active, said dancing can be beneficial for both Buswell and her baby. She pointed to studies suggesting cardiovascular exercise during pregnancy can transfer health benefits to the baby and potentially support neurological development. At the same time, Marismari cautioned that Buswell will need to avoid moves that carry a high risk of injury or involve aggressive or impactful trauma. As the pregnancy progresses, the physiotherapist noted, holding positions required for certain lifts and routines can place extra strain, so adjustments and mindful pacing will be essential.

Changing attitudes toward pregnancy and performance, Marismari added, can help shift expectations about what is possible for women who wish to continue careers in dance and on high-profile stages. When prominent stars participate publicly, she said, it can encourage broader acceptance and a generation-level shift in what is considered safe and feasible during pregnancy. Pelvic floor conditioning and related exercise are part of the broader conversation about health in pregnancy and postnatal recovery.

Buswell, who reached the Strictly final in 2018 with Sugg and has been in the finals with McCausland and Bobby Brazier in recent years, has publicly supported her decision amid online scrutiny. She and Sugg announced they are expecting a baby boy earlier this month and shared a light-hearted video of three stick figures to reveal the news. In a separate social post, Buswell defended her choice to compete while pregnant, saying she is well cared for and supported by Strictly staff and her partner. The couple has been together since their time on the show and has spoken publicly about the pregnancy journey as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives.