Dianne Buswell reunites with rumoured axed Strictly star after welcoming baby son

Dianne Buswell welcomed her first child, a baby son named Bowden, earlier this month, and her Strictly Come Dancing co-stars, Nancy Xu, Vito Coppola and Michelle Tsiakkas, have already paid the new mum a visit. 

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, the 36-year-old dancer shared a series of snaps showing her co-stars doting on the newborn, including one of Dianne unwrapping an adorable gift: a star-shaped baby mobile.

Dianne, who shares her little boy with internet personality and former Strictly contestant, Joe Sugg, penned in the caption: “When uncle Vito aunty Nancy and aunty Michele come to visit. Bowie is very lucky to be so loved.”

Reports of Strictly axings

It comes after reports that professional dancers Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Marquez, were all being axed from Strictly. 

Both Nadiya and Karen Hauer have announced their departures from the show in the last week. While Nadiya, who first joined the show in 2017, said she would always be grateful to the BBC programme, Karen said it was the right time to take on new projects after 14 years as a pro.

Meanwhile, it was recently confirmed that Michelle Tsiakkas will not be taking part in the Strictly the Professionals 2026 Tour.

A post shared by the Strictly Come Dancing Live Instagram page read: “We are naturally disappointed but respect her decision and wish her every success for the future.”

© Getty Images

The pro dancer shake-up comes after hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced last year that they would not be returning for the next series. 

The arrival of baby Bowden

Earlier this month, Dianne and Joe shared the joyous news that they had welcomed their first child on social media.

© Instagram

Posting a photo of the newborn wrapped in a white blanket and wearing a knitted blue hat, the couple sweetly penned: “Never felt a love like it. Baby Bowden Mark Richard Sugg. 16/03/26.” 

Other photos included one of Dianne cradling her baby while lying in a hospital bed, and another showed Joe walking out of the hospital ward, carrying Bowden in a car seat. 

© Instagram

Following fan confusion over the tot’s name, Joe took to his Instagram Stories to clear things up. 

“Bowden Sugg. Pronounced Bow like How, not Bow like Row… hopefully that makes sense,” penned the new dad, adding a crying with laughter emoji.