Two Farewells, One Shattered Heart”: Dianne Buswell Mourns the Loss of Both Grandparents Just Weeks Apart
In the glittering world of Strictly Come Dancing, where joy and rhythm reign supreme, Australian professional dancer Dianne Buswell has faced a profound personal tragedy that has left her heart in pieces. The 35-year-old star, fresh off her triumphant Glitterball win in 2024 with comedian Chris McCausland, announced the passing of her beloved grandfather in early July 2025, just months after mourning the death of her grandmother in March. This double blow, coming so close together, has evoked an outpouring of support from fans, fellow dancers, and celebrities, highlighting the human fragility behind the sequins and spotlights.
Buswell, known for her infectious energy and radiant smile on the BBC dancefloor, shared the heartbreaking news of her grandfather’s death via an emotional Instagram post. The 99-year-old, affectionately called “Pop” by the family, had lived a full and vibrant life, reaching an impressive age that spoke to his resilience. In a touching compilation video, Buswell captured precious moments with him during her visit to Australia after her Strictly victory. One clip showed her surprising him, eliciting his delighted exclamation, “Well, I’ll be,” before they shared a quick, joyful dance. Another featured them playfully contemplating a hallway race, with Buswell teasing, “Gonna have a race with me?” These snippets painted a picture of a close-knit bond filled with laughter and lighthearted fun, making the loss all the more poignant.
Accompanying the video, Buswell wrote a heartfelt caption: “Rest in peace pop ❤️❤️ you were 99 years young 🙏🏼 thank you for all the stories and I just know you will be up there dancing with Nan already.” The reference to her “Nan” underscored the compounded grief, as her grandmother had passed away only a few months earlier. In March, Buswell had returned home to Australia amid bittersweet circumstances, announcing her nan’s death with a simple yet devastating tribute: “Rest in peace nan. Love you very much.” She expressed deep gratitude for being able to say goodbye to “such a special lady in my life,” a comfort that softened the edges of her sorrow at the time. Yet, the rapid succession of these losses—grandmother in early March and grandfather by early July—has turned what might have been manageable mourning into a “shattered heart,” as fans poignantly described it online.
The Strictly community rallied around Buswell with messages of love and solidarity. Fellow dancer Johannes Radebe, a longtime Strictly pro, commented, “So sorry Dianne Darling,” while Spanish dancer Gorka Marquez added, “Sending love to you and the family.” Host Claudia Winkleman and Love Island star Tasha Ghouri also extended their sympathies, with Winkleman writing, “Sending so much love to you xxx.” Vito Coppola, currently touring with Buswell in their production “Red Hot and Ready,” shared a prayer hands emoji and heart, symbolizing quiet support. Fans flooded her posts with condolences, one writing, “Sending you all the love to your beautiful family, so sorry to hear this.” The wave of empathy reflects Buswell’s status as a beloved figure, whose warmth extends beyond the dance studio.
Buswell’s journey to Strictly stardom has been marked by her relocation from Australia to the UK in 2017, where she quickly became a fan favorite. She reached the final in her debut year with YouTuber Joe Sugg—now her long-term boyfriend—and again in 2023 with EastEnders actor Bobby Brazier. Her 2024 victory with McCausland, the first blind contestant to win, was a career highlight, blending her professional prowess with personal milestones like recording a podcast together. Amid these successes, family remains her anchor. Her recent trip home allowed her to surprise her grandfather and participate in her nephew Roman’s baptism, where she was honored as a godmother—a joyful event juxtaposed against the grief of her grandmother’s passing. Clips from that time showed her interacting tenderly with family, including her nephews, whom she called “They have my heart,” and noting her pop’s impending 99th birthday.
The emotional toll of losing both grandparents in such proximity cannot be overstated. Grief experts often describe successive bereavements as “grief overload,” where the mind and body struggle to process multiple losses, leading to intensified sorrow, fatigue, and even physical symptoms. For Buswell, whose career demands high energy and emotional resilience, this period has likely been overwhelming. Her grandmother’s favorite TV channels—featuring Buswell, her partner Joe Sugg, and Strictly content—highlighted the joy her success brought to her nan, adding a layer of bittersweet reflection. Now, with her grandfather reunited “dancing with Nan,” Buswell finds solace in imagining their eternal companionship, a sentiment echoed in her tribute.
This tragedy also spotlights the challenges faced by public figures balancing fame with private pain. Buswell’s openness on social media has not only shared her joy but also her vulnerabilities, fostering a deeper connection with fans. As she continues touring and preparing for future Strictly endeavors, her story serves as a reminder of life’s unpredictability. Time with loved ones is fleeting, and in the wake of such losses, cherishing memories becomes paramount.
Supporters continue to send messages of strength, hoping Buswell emerges from this “two farewells” with her spirit intact. Her grandfather’s stories and her grandmother’s love will undoubtedly fuel her performances, turning personal heartache into artistic expression. In a world that often sees her twirling under lights, this moment reveals the dancer’s true grace: in vulnerability and remembrance.
