As Strictly Come Dancing prepares to return to screens in the upcoming months, professional dancer Dianne Buswell has opened up about her return to the show.
The anticipation for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing is mounting among BBC viewers, with speculation rife about the celebrity line-up.
Rumours are swirling with names such as Dani Dyer, Paul C Brunson and Stacey Solomon being mentioned as potential contestants, but the BBC has yet to confirm any celebrity participants.
What has been confirmed by the BBC, however, is the list of returning professional dancers, which includes two newcomers, Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon, to the Strictly family.
Dianne Buswell, last year’s champion, will be gracing the dance floor once more in the upcoming series. In a recent interview with Prima Magazine, the 36-year-old shared her enthusiasm and perspective on her return.
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She expressed: “I feel just as excited as any other year, and I’ve put no expectations on myself. Last year taught me that it’s not about perfection.
“I’ll be honest, I used to think of winning, winning, winning, but the past few years, it hasn’t been about that at all – maybe that comes with age and maturity.”
She also touched on the camaraderie of the competition with her partner Chris McCausland: “Chris [McCausland] and I could have left at any point and would have gone thinking we’d won anyway. It doesn’t feel like a competition anymore.”
The September 2025 issue of Prima is now on sale.
Last year, Dianne and comedian Chris McCausland made history on Strictly as he became the first blind contestant to take part in the show, reports Edinburgh Live.
As they lifted the Glitterball trophy, it was evident that emotions were running high when he exclaimed: “It’s astonishing. I don’t know what to say. I honestly thought I would go out in the first week or two. I know no one went out in the first week but I thought I still could. We’ve just lasted and lasted.”
Heaping accolades on Dianne, the comedian continued: “She’s got so much out of me and she deserves this so much. She is one of the easiest people to be funny with that I’ve ever met.”
With a successful track record, questions arise whether the Strictly professional can clinch the Glitterball trophy for a second year in a row.
Dianne, hailing from Australia, has taken to social media to welcome newcomers Alexis and Julian to the show’s professional dancers, sharing a group photo and describing them as ‘amazing’.
Alexis expressed excitement about joining Strictly, telling the BBC: “I’ve admired Strictly for years, so joining this incredible family is such an honour.
“I can’t wait to step into the ballroom, pour my heart into every moment, and share my love of dance with the UK.”
Strictly Come Dancing is set to return to BBC One in August