SAD NEWS: Strictly’s Dianne Buswell ‘misses first group dance’ leaving fans concerned
Dianne was ‘missing’ from rehearsals
Dianne Buswell was missing from the recording of one of the opening group dances for this year’s series, according to reports. The veteran Strictly Come Dancing professional sparked worry amongst fans at this week’s recording, as she had been anticipated to participate alongside the other professionals – but failed to appear.
It’s understood the Australian star, 37, who welcomed her first child in March with partner Joe Sugg, was the sole dancer absent from proceedings. Producers had choreographed the energetic routine, set to feature during the launch show, as a means of introducing the five new dancers to audiences.
Fans were concerned for the professional dancer (Image: Getty)
A source told the publication: “It was really odd Dianne wasn’t there. Producers had planned the dance for the specific reason of making a big fuss of the newbies and new era of Strictly.
“It was their very first group number together which was pretty spectacular and included big, glitzy props. Lots of questions were asked during the breaks about where Dianne was but the crew were reluctant to say anything.”
Nevertheless, a second source reportedly indicated that there is “no reason for fans to be concerned”.
A Strictly spokesperson maintained Dianne was never scheduled to participate in the routine but declined to elaborate why, stating: “As is standard on Strictly, not every pro dancer appears in every group routine.”
The programme is undergoing a significant number of changes this series. Presenter Emma Willis, former dancer Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe are stepping into hosting roles previously held by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who departed last year.
The professional line-up will feature Dianne returning alongside Katya Jones, Kai Widdrington, Aljaž Škorjanec, Lauren Oakley, Nancy Xu, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Alexis Warr, Julian Caillon and Vito Coppola.
Meanwhile, five fresh faces joining the cast include Ukrainian Aleksandra Isaeva, Italian hunk Cristian Priori, South African latin champion Lethabo Monametsi, Canadian dancer Mark Karmalita and UK National Ballroom Champion Maddie Ingoldsby.
