What is happening?- Strictly’s Dianne Buswell ‘misses first group dance’ leaving fans concerned

Strictly Breaks Silence After Dianne Buswell’s Absence From Major Launch Routine Sparks Concern

Strictly Come Dancing has addressed concerns surrounding Dianne Buswell after the popular professional dancer was absent from the recording of a major group routine.

Dianne had been expected by some audience members to appear alongside the other professionals during filming for one of the opening dances of the 2026 series.

Her absence quickly prompted questions because the energetic performance had reportedly been choreographed to introduce Strictly’s five new professional dancers.

The Australian dancer, who welcomed her first child with partner Joe Sugg in March, was reportedly the only established professional not present for that section of the recording.

However, a Strictly spokesperson has since insisted that Dianne was never scheduled to take part and reassured viewers that not every professional appears in every group number.

Audience members questioned Dianne’s absence

A source who attended the recording said Dianne’s absence felt unusual because of the importance placed on the performance.

“It was really odd Dianne wasn’t there,” the source claimed.

“Producers had planned the dance for the specific reason of making a big fuss of the newbies and new era of Strictly.”

The number was reportedly the first time the new professional line-up had performed a full group routine together.

According to the source, the production featured large, sparkling props and was designed to create an impressive introduction for the newcomers ahead of the launch show.

“It was their very first group number together, which was pretty spectacular and included big, glitzy props,” the source continued.

Audience members reportedly began asking about Dianne during breaks in filming, but crew members did not provide an immediate explanation.

“Lots of questions were asked during the breaks about where Dianne was, but the crew were reluctant to say anything,” the source said.

That silence initially allowed speculation to grow over why the 37-year-old dancer had not appeared.

Strictly reassures concerned viewers

A second source later indicated there was “no reason for fans to be concerned”.

The programme then issued a direct response, explaining that Dianne’s absence was planned rather than the result of a last-minute problem.

“As is standard on Strictly, not every pro dancer appears in every group routine,” a spokesperson said.

The representative did not explain why Dianne had not been selected for this particular performance.

There is currently no suggestion that she has left the programme or will be missing from the forthcoming series.

Strictly begins dramatically different era

The questions surrounding Dianne emerged as Strictly prepares to introduce some of the biggest changes in its recent history.

Emma Willis, former professional dancer Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe will take over the presenting roles previously held by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

Tess and Claudia departed last year, bringing their long-running partnership on the BBC competition to an end.

Dianne remains part of the professional line-up alongside Katya Jones, Kai Widdrington, Aljaž Škorjanec, Lauren Oakley, Nancy Xu, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Alexis Warr, Julian Caillon and Vito Coppola.

Five new professionals are also joining the programme.

They are Ukrainian dancer Aleksandra Isaeva, Italy’s Cristian Priori, South African Latin champion Lethabo Monametsi, Canadian performer Mark Karmalita and UK National Ballroom Champion Maddie Ingoldsby.

The recorded group routine was intended to place those new dancers firmly in the spotlight and mark the beginning of Strictly’s new era.

Dianne’s absence may have caused uncertainty inside the studio, but the BBC’s explanation makes clear that she was not unexpectedly removed from the performance.

She is still expected to return for the 2026 series, while the launch routine will focus on introducing the programme’s five newest professionals to viewers.