Professional dancer Dianne Buswell has responded forcefully to online criticism about her continuing to dance whilst pregnant, posting a spirited video on Instagram mere days following her departure from Strictly Come Dancing alongside celebrity partner Stefan Dennis.
The 36-year-old, who is carrying her first child with partner Joe Sugg, shared footage of herself performing energetic moves at home to counter those who had expressed discomfort watching an expectant woman dance.
In the social media clip, Ms Buswell could be seen comically dancing around and performing handstands in her home, with text reading: "For all those people saying they can't watch a pregnant girl dance!
"I just can't help it when I hear the beat."
A fellow dancer shared their experience in the comments, stating: "You go Gurl! I danced professionally (Contemporary) through most of my pregnancy & loved it though at 7 months decided it was enough for me.
"You do what feels right for you if you and your baby are healthy & you're happy that's all that matters. Women's bodies are extraordinary."
Meanwhile, fellow Strictly pros left supportive comments, with Amy Dowden posting: "Yasssssss di!"
Meanwhile, Michelle Tsiakkas left three heart emojis in the comments.
Dianne Buswell and Stefan Dennis were forced to withdraw from BBC Strictly on Monday | BBC"You’re not sick, you’re pregnant. Dance away!" another encouraged.
Someone else shared: "I exercised right up to 34 weeks with twins and had the easiest delivery- no pain relief and back at him 6 weeks later."
"I think it’s so cool that you get to dance along with your baby boy! the way you’re showing that women can still do the things they love while pregnant is just so admirable," another added. (sic)
Neighbours actor Mr Dennis suffered a significant calf tear whilst rehearsing, compelling him to abandon the contest earlier in the week.
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This development prompted unkind speculation from certain viewers who proposed the timing was deliberately arranged to safeguard Buswell during her pregnancy.
Such theories gained traction on social media, with one follower suggesting: "To be honest I saw this coming, Dianne couldn't really continue especially when she gets bigger, bless her I think this was planned to keep her and baby safe."
Ms Buswell responded fiercely to these insinuations through her Instagram stories, declaring: "I sound like a broken record but I'm seeing a bit of this floating around again! I know people say ignore it but actually why should I?"
She elaborated further: "I will speak up I would love nothing more than to keep dancing this week, next week, the week after that. In fact, I have more energy this year than I did this time last year.
Stefan Dennis has been forced to withdraw with a torn calf | BBC"Please respect Stefan who is extremely gutted to not be able to dance and stop presuming this was a set up! Because believe me we would if we could."
Mr Dennis expressed profound disappointment in his withdrawal statement: "Just when I had finally gained the confidence to do well with my dancing in the competition, I was told I had torn my calf so significantly that I am now forced to withdraw from the show. I can't tell you how devastated I am."
Dianne Buswell has hit back at critics
| BBCSpeaking on her Winning Isn't Everything podcast, Buswell acknowledged she would find the absence from dancing challenging: "I think I'll struggle more now being off, and I genuinely think that, because that one week off is when I felt my worst, mentally and physically."