Dianne Buswell has shared an emotional message, giving a peek into the challenging times that her and her family were going through before her Strictly Come Dancing triumph.
Not only did Australian dancer Dianne get to lift the glitterball trophy for the first time in the last series of the show, but she had her parents there in the audience watching her, which they had never done before.
After counting down to their arrival from Oz, Dianne shared a sweet photograph of her parents helping out in the kitchen at the £3.5 million home she shares with her boyfriend Joe Sugg, who she met on Strictly in 2018. Dianne added two smiling emojis with tears, hinting that the long-awaited reunion with her parents was incredibly special to her.
She then later revealed her mum and dad had visited her and Strictly partner Chris McCausland in training and alongside a picture of the foursome she said: “This year of Strictly has been special in so many ways thanks to the wonderful Chris! This is just the cherry on top. Magic moments that I’ll cherish forever.”
Dianne had been carrying the heavy burden of her dad’s cancer battle back in 2023, prompting a return to her homeland with Joe to support her family. Then in April last year, Dianne said her father was her “hero”, praising his strength and ability to keep smiling.
On Instagram she shared a montage of pictures and clips of dad Mark from over the course of his treatment, reports the Manchester Evening News. The heart-warming clip showed Mark ringing the bell to signal the end of his treatment, with Dianne gushing about how proud her dad made her, in facing his treatment.
Alongside the video, she wrote: “To my daddy you did it 6 months later and 12 rounds done. I am so so PROUD of you it’s been a tough road but you have always done it with a smile and a thumbs up. I know you were scared and I know it was not easy but you have done it.”
She also praised her mum for being a rock for her dad throughout his treatment, saying: “And to my beautiful mum who has not left your side and been the best support system ever thank you. Us kids are so lucky to have you both we love you so much.”
Dianne also marked World Cancer Day (Feb 4th) by sharing a picture of her dad in hospital during treatment, writing on her Instagram story: “Sending love to all those affected. My dear dad two years ago was unrecognisable.
“It broke my heart to see him so much pain in his eyes. But with the help of the drs, nurses and wonderful people around him, he pulled through. It’s not easy for all involved and I send my love to anybody affected.”
Dianne also took a moment to praise her colleague Amy Dowden, who underwent breast cancer treatment the previous year. Sharing Amy’s World Cancer Day post on her Instagram Story, Dianne added: “And this wonderful human,” accompanied by plenty of pink heart emojis.