Strictly's Dianne Buswell dad's blunt response to Stefan Dennis pairing was cut from interview

Strictly Come Dancing star Dianne Buswell has shared her dad’s blunt reaction after finding out she would be partnered with Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis on this year’s series.

The Australian-born professional, 34, opened up about the family moment on her Winning Isn’t Everything podcast, which she co-hosts with last year’s dance partner and Strictly finalist, comedian Chris McCausland.

As the couples prepare for the second week of live shows - and the first elimination of the series - Dianne reflected on how her family responded to her new celebrity partner. During their podcast chat, Chris revealed one moment from the pre-series interviews didn’t make it to air. “They asked whether your dad, Mark, was pleased that you were paired with Neighbours star Stefan Dennis,” he explained, “and you said 'nah, to be honest he prefers Home and Away.'”

READ MORE: Freddy Brazier is all smiles as he steps out in first public appearance after baby news

READ MORE: Amy Dowden sends message to Strictly Come Dancing co-stars after being struck with illness

Dianne admitted the comment was completely true, saying: “I did, it was the first thing that came up, because he does, he b****y loves his Home and Away. You cannot talk to my dad when Home and Away is on. So I said that, but yeah, obviously that didn't make the cut.”

The professional dancer is hoping to build on the momentum of last year’s hugely successful run, when she made it all the way to the Strictly final with Chris McCausland – going on to lift the Glitterball trophy in one of the show’s most memorable wins.

It was a landmark moment for the series, as Chris became the first contestant with a visual impairment to win the competition.

This year marks Dianne’s ninth appearance as a Strictly professional, having first joined the BBC show in 2017. Her debut was with Reverend Richard Coles, though the pair were eliminated by the second week.

She returned the following year and was partnered with YouTuber Joe Sugg – a pairing that proved successful both on and off the dancefloor. Dianne and Joe are now expecting their first child together.

Dianne and Joe announced their exciting news with their fans on social media last month. They posted a video painting a picture of three stick figures to announce they're expecting a baby boy in 2026. Dianne recently opened up about doing the show while expecting, revealing she hopes that she can inspire other women.

"What I want to achieve here is to actually show that the woman's body is absolutely incredible," Buswell said alongside Sugg in a vlog he shared following their baby announcement.

"Strictly knew a while ago, and they've been so supportive of my decision, and obviously looking after me as well. I'm very well looked after on Strictly and loved, very, very loved."

READ MORE: Shoppers avoid radiators with £34 mini heater that 'warms rooms quickly'

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Threads.