Dianne Buswell reunited with BBC Strictly co-star as pair's future on dance competition confirmed: 'So proud'

WATCH HERE: Amy Dowden discusses her second mastectomy

|

INSTAGRAM

Lauren Williams

By Lauren Williams


Published: 14/05/2026

- 11:47

The two Strictly stars and friends were reunited after it was confirmed they would be returning to the BBC show

Strictly Come Dancing professional Dianne Buswell has been reunited with fellow dancer Amy Dowden, who travelled to meet the Australian star's newborn son.

The heartwarming visit saw Ms Dowden enjoying cuddles with baby Bowden Mark Richard Sugg, with Ms Buswell sharing photographs on Instagram captioned: "When Bowden met Dowden @amy_dowden," adding: "Aunty Amy."


Fans were quick to appreciate the wordplay between the dancer's surname and the infant's name.

"Dowden and Bowden. Such special moments," one follower commented whilst another wrote: "Love this. Dowden and Bowden."

Amy Dowden and Dianne Buswell

The pair were renited to meet Bowden

|

INSTAGRAM

Others remarked on how quickly the little one was growing, with one adding simply: "Aawwww Auntie Amy." (sic)

Ms Dowden was also quick to share her joy at meeting the tot and posted the images on her Instagram story.

She captioned the multiple images, ‘My heart is bursting. Dowden and Bowden,” before sharing how proud she was of her best friend.

Posting an image of the pair together, she penned: “So proud of you diannebuswell always! Love our time together. I so needed this catch up after the other day.” (sic)

Amy Dwoden and Dianne Buswell

Ms Dowden posted her joy on her Instagram story

|

INSTAGRAM

The reunion comes just days after the BBC confirmed both dancers will return to the famous ballroom for the programme's 24th series this autumn.

For Ms Dowden, the upcoming run marks a significant milestone as she prepares for her 10 year as a Strictly professional.

Taking to Instagram following the announcement, she wrote: "Absolutely honoured and beyond grateful to be back for my 10th series on the best entertainment show, @bbcstrictly."

She added: "This show truly changed my life, and I couldn't be prouder to be part of something so special.

Dianne Buswell and Amy Dowden

The pair have been friends since joining the show

|

INSTAGRAM

“Here's to another incredible season of magic, fabulous dance routines, music, and unforgettable moments."

Ms Buswell has not yet publicly addressed her return to the competition.

The Australian dancer welcomed her son on March 16 with partner Joe Sugg, the YouTube personality she met when they were paired together on the show's 16th series in 2018.

The couple reached the grand final that year, with their quickstep to Dancing Fool in week nine earning 38 points from the judges.

Dianne Buswell

Ms Bowden and boyfriend Joe Sugg welcomed their first son Bowden

|

INSTAGRAM

Despite scoring a near-perfect 40 in the final, they were narrowly beaten by Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton.

Ms Buswell made history during the 2025 series by becoming the first professional to compete while pregnant.

Both she and Ms Dowden joined Strictly as professionals in 2017, with Ms Dowden becoming the first Welsh dancer on the programme.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter