Strictly Come Dancing Stars Dianne Buswell and Joe Sugg Welcome First Child
The Strictly Come Dancing curse has famously brought couples together and torn them apart throughout the show's history, but one pair who met on the BBC series has defied the odds. Australian professional dancer Dianne Buswell, 36, and YouTube sensation Joe Sugg, 34, have welcomed their first baby, a son named Bowden Mark Richard Sugg, born on March 16, 2026. The couple announced the joyful news to their overjoyed fans on Wednesday night, marking a new chapter in their nearly eight-year relationship.
From Dance Partners to Parents: A Timeline of Their Romance
Dianne Buswell joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 and was paired with Joe Sugg the following year during the show's 16th series. Joe made history as the first YouTuber to compete on Strictly, and despite not winning the Glitterball Trophy—which went to Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton—their partnership blossomed into a real-life romance. They confirmed their relationship soon after the finale in a now-iconic social media post where Joe wrote, "I may not have won the glitter ball, but I've won something a million times more special."
At the time they met, Dianne was dating soap star Anthony Quinlan, known for roles in Hollyoaks and Emmerdale. After their separation a few months later, Dianne and Joe went public with their relationship. Anthony Quinlan later denied that the Strictly curse was to blame for their breakup, citing distance as the main factor and expressing support for the new couple.
Building a Life Together: Home, Family, and Future Plans
Since 2018, Dianne and Joe have shared their journey with millions of followers on Instagram and YouTube, offering glimpses into their life together. They purchased their first home at the end of 2021, with Dianne mentioning they were ready for "new adventures" as a couple. While they have not yet married, Dianne has described their approach as relaxed, saying they "play it by ear" and enjoy each other's company. She also revealed that having a family together was their dream, a wish that has now come true with the birth of their son.
The couple announced they were expecting their first baby in September 2025, just before Dianne embarked on a new season of Strictly with partner Stefan Dennis. In a creative Instagram clip, they revealed the pregnancy by showing a painting titled "2026" with three stick figures, confirming they were having a boy. Dianne later clarified on her Instagram story that their son's name, Bowden, is pronounced like "how" rather than "row."
Reactions from the Strictly Community and Beyond
News of the baby's arrival sparked an outpouring of congratulations from friends, family, and fellow Strictly stars. Former host Claudia Winkleman commented, "He's amazing. Sending so much love to the three of you," while judge Motsi Mabuse shared, "Congratulations, guys all the best. Now is the beginning of something very special." Other well-wishers included YouTuber Rose Ellen Dix, Strictly professional Vito Coppola, and co-stars Nikita Kuzmin and Karen Hauer.
Over the years, Dianne and Joe have navigated both joyful and challenging moments publicly, such as Dianne being unable to visit her family in Australia during the pandemic due to travel restrictions. Despite sharing much of their lives online, Joe has emphasized that they keep certain aspects of their relationship private, with both agreeing on what to share with their audience.
As new parents, Dianne Buswell and Joe Sugg continue to capture the hearts of fans, proving that love can indeed flourish beyond the dance floor. Their story serves as a testament to lasting connections formed on one of television's most beloved shows.
