DIANNE BUSWELL: ‘I’VE ALWAYS TAKEN MY COURAGE IN BOTH HANDS AND TRIED NEW THINGS’
There’s definitely no missing Dianne Buswell. With her mane of red hair, and personality that’s just as vibrant, she’s made dancing her way to fame and popularity on Strictly look effortless.
She found love along the way too. Buswell and YouTube star, Joe Suggs, got together after being partnered in the 2018 series – and making it to the final – and have been an item ever since.
So what’s her secret to success? “Being open to change and, even if it’s scary, embracing it,” says the Australia-born dancer, 31, who is currently supporting the #DoveSwitchItUp campaign, which encourages people to switch one thing in their life to help make it better.
She’s certainly made that work in her own life.
Buswell swapped her scissors (she was a full-time hairdresser until age 21) for dancing shoes when she turned professional – but she didn’t make that move without some trepidation. “As an amateur dancer, I’d competed for years with my brother Andrew; it was a real challenge to step full-time into the world of professional dancing. It’s super competitive. I was very nervous about it,” she recalls of taking on her first pro role with an national dance company.
She has previously talked about struggling with the pressure in the early days, exercising excessively and skipping meals. “I came out a lot stronger from that experience, learnt a lot, and I think it’s helped me empathise more and I hope help other people struggling with their wellbeing,” she says now.
Buswell, who had a string of other TV jobs before joining Strictly in 2017, is also embracing another ‘switch up’ on the work front, as a social media influencer. (She has her own ‘Buswellness’ lifestyle channel on YouTube and Instagram.)
How does it feel being part of Strictly?
“I have to pinch myself sometimes. It’s a dream come true and it’s been such a wonderful experience. I came from a small town, Bunbury in Western Australia, where there was only one dance school – and now I’m on this huge show that everyone loves. It’s incredible really.”
How do you look after your wellbeing?
“I have essentials which are part of my routine: yoga, which helps me improve my breathing and relax, Pilates and meditation. I also fuel myself with good home-cooked food, fruit and vegetables, and make my own juices. I believe what you put into yourself, you get out.”