Strictly’s Tess Daly has unexpectedly expressed a warm sentiment towards one of her professional dancer colleagues as they looked back on the past year.
The presenter, who tends to stay neutral in expressing her support for the show’s stars, made an exception for Dianne Buswell, ensuring the Stockport-native realised her significance after wrapping up a stellar 2024.
Following a dazzling triumph in December’s ballroom battles, it was Tess who proclaimed Dianne and comedian Chris McCausland, Strictly’s first-ever blind contestant, as the newest victors of the BBC One dance spectacle, the M.E.N reports.
They edged out fellow finalists Sarah Hadland with Vito Coppola, Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec, along with JLS’s JB Gill paired with Lauren Oakley in the 20th-anniversary series’ glittering finale, earning the iconic Glitterball trophy – an outcome Chris termed “astonishing”.
As Tess, alongside Claudia Winkleman, heralded this year’s champions, an emotional scene unfolded with Chris tearing up and embracing Dianne amidst their shared shock, before receiving congratulations from their peers.
As 2024 drew to a close, Dianne took a moment to reflect on the eventful year she had, which kicked off with her joining the Strictly Come Dancing Live 2024 tour alongside her 2023 partner Bobby Brazier and culminated in her winning the Glitterball trophy on the main show with Chris. She also cherished spending the festive period with her family who visited from Australia.
Sharing her thoughts, Dianne posted: “Some 2024 memories. Thank you to every single person I crossed along the way. Sending love health and happiness to you all for the new year ahead.”
Tess Daly was quick to comment on the post, saying: “You are such a precious soul love you to bits.”
In response, Dianne shared a series of red heart emojis. Her fans and followers joined in, commenting on her post with new year wishes and celebrating her 2024 successes.
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