Strictly Come Dancing professional Dianne Buswell has revealed that her grandfather has passed away aged 99.
The Australian dancer shared the heartbreaking news through social media, posting an emotional tribute alongside a video filmed by her boyfriend Joe Sugg.
“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 36-year-old wrote in her caption.
The touching footage showed Buswell surprising her grandfather in Australia following her recent Glitterball victory with comedian Chris McCausland.
The video captured tender moments between the pair, including embraces and dancing together, whilst Sugg could be heard laughing behind the camera.
Messages of support poured in immediately after Buswell shared the news with her 1.1 million Instagram followers. Fellow Strictly professional Nancy Xu was amongst the first to respond, writing: “D D Sending you all the love”.
Fans across social media platforms offered their condolences to the dancer, who has become a beloved figure on the BBC programme since joining in 2017.
The timing of her grandfather’s death is particularly poignant, coming just weeks after Buswell lost her grandmother in early March. At that time, she had posted a tribute saying she was grateful to have been home to say goodbye.
When announcing her grandmother’s passing in March, she had written: “Rest in peace nan.
“Love you very much I’m so grateful I was home to say goodbye to such a special lady in my life now go be with pop he has been patiently waiting for you.”
The video tribute to her grandfather held special significance as it was filmed during her visit to Australia after winning Strictly Come Dancing’s most recent series.
The footage showed the joy of their reunion following her professional triumph with Chris McCausland, the programme’s first blind contestant.
On Saturday, fans, friends and co-stars of Buswell rushed to offer their condolences in the comment section of the post sharing the sad news about her grandfather.
One penned: “99 years young and etched in our hearts forever. Sending you and the family all my love always xxxxx.”
“Omg I’m so sorry sending so much love to you and your family,” a second added.
Someone else shared: “I’m so sorry. Sending you lots of love and hugs to you and your family. just know he will always be proud of you.”
“So sorry about your lovely pop, love and hugs,” another wrote, with someone else adding: “Oh I’m so sorry to hear this Di! Such sad news!
“What a legend your pop was! 99 years old! He’ll be looking down on you in awe of what your doing.”
“Oh sweetheart, I’m so so sorry to hear this sad news. he will be forever proud of you. sending lots of love to you xx,” one more commented.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Dianne Buswell flooded with support as BBC Strictly star issues statement on tragic family deathDianne Buswell opens up on baby plans as BBC Strictly star shares sweet hope for ‘future kids’Dianne Buswell sets record straight on ‘really funny’ Joe Sugg engagement rumours after fans question glaring clue
Buswell has established herself as a fixture on Strictly Come Dancing over eight years, partnering celebrities including Dev Griffin, Max George, Tyler West and Bobby Brazier. Her 2024 victory marked her first Glitterball win after several near-misses.
Away from the dancefloor, Buswell lives with Sugg in a £3.5 million West Sussex property. The couple met during the 2018 series when they reached the final together.
The dancer has faced family health concerns recently, having documented her father Mark’s heart surgery journey. He underwent a double heart bypass after doctors discovered a blocked main artery during routine cancer treatment checkups.