Dianne Buswell, the fiery redhead beloved by Strictly Come Dancing fans around the world, has always been known for her fierce footwork, infectious smile, and unstoppable energy. But this week, the dancer took center stage for a very different kind of announcement — one that had nothing to do with sequins or samba.

In a softly lit video posted on her Instagram, Dianne appeared in a flowing cream dress, barefoot in a cozy living room, her hand resting delicately on a visible baby bump. With tears welling in her eyes, she looked straight into the camera and said, “I’m dancing a new rhythm now — the heartbeat of our baby.”

The news that she and longtime boyfriend Joe Sugg are expecting their first child together spread like wildfire, sending shockwaves of joy across the Strictly fandom. The couple, who met on the 2018 season of Strictly Come Dancing and quickly became one of the show’s most beloved love stories, have kept much of their personal journey private in recent years. But with this tender reveal, they invited fans into their most intimate chapter yet.

Speaking exclusively to HELLO! magazine shortly after the announcement, Dianne opened up about the whirlwind of emotions that led to this life-changing moment. “Joe and I have talked about having kids for a while, but we never set a strict timeline. We just knew… when the moment was right, we’d feel it,” she shared.

And now, that moment has arrived.

But for someone who’s spent her entire adult life in rehearsal rooms, on tour buses, and under the bright lights of television studios, stepping away from the spotlight might seem daunting. Not for Dianne.

“I’ve spent years building a career I love, but becoming a mum has always been part of my dream,” she explained. “There’s this myth that women in performance — dancers especially — have to choose between the stage and the nursery. But I don’t see it that way. This isn’t an ending. It’s a beautiful pause.”

Joe, ever the supportive partner, chimed in during the interview: “I’ve seen how hard she works, how much heart she puts into everything. Watching her now step into this next chapter — it’s the most awe-inspiring thing I’ve ever witnessed.”

The couple also shared a few behind-the-scenes stories. One favorite? Joe secretly composing a lullaby on his guitar in the early weeks of the pregnancy, singing it softly to Dianne as they imagined what their baby might be like. “It was the first time I cried happy tears over a song,” she laughed.

Dianne’s announcement has been met with overwhelming love from her Strictly family. Claudia Winkleman commented, “Crying. Shaking. Screaming. So happy for you both!” Meanwhile, fellow pro Gorka Márquez wrote, “Best dance of your life begins now, my friend.”

Even Shirley Ballas, who recently announced her departure from the judging panel, took to Twitter to share her excitement: “Our girl Dianne is going to be a mum! That baby is already so lucky.”

As for what’s next? Dianne says she plans to continue dancing “as long as it feels right,” but she’s also learning to slow down and savor the quiet. “It’s the in-between moments — the soft mornings, the warm tea, the tiny kicks — that I’m learning to treasure.”

And if there’s one message she wants to send to women in similar positions, it’s this: “Don’t be afraid to step off the stage for a while. Life has its own choreography — and sometimes, the most graceful move is simply to trust where it’s leading you.”

From the Strictly ballroom to baby bottles, Dianne Buswell is proving once again that every chapter in life has its own rhythm — and hers is just beginning.