Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell issue clarification over newborn baby boy following adorable announcement

Olivia Gantzer

By Olivia Gantzer


Published: 19/03/2026

- 11:13

The couple welcomed their first child on Monday

Joe Sugg has stepped in to clear up any uncertainty surrounding his newborn son's name, taking to Instagram Stories to offer a pronunciation guide for fans.

The YouTuber, 34, posted an image showing the new parents' hands cradling their baby's tiny fingers, writing: "Bowden Sugg. Pronounced Bow like How not Bow like Row... hopefully that makes sense."


He accompanied the clarification with a laughing emoji, and Strictly Come Dancing professional Dianne Buswell swiftly reshared the message on her own account.

According to baby name website The Bump, Bowden carries the meaning of "shelter" and is associated with security, fresh beginnings and ambition.

Joe Sugg post

Joe Sugg issued a clarification about he and Dianne Buswell's newborn

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INSTAGRAM

The couple had previously indicated their son would be given a distinctive name ahead of his arrival.

The little boy arrived on Monday, March 16, with his parents announcing the happy news on Wednesday evening through a series of heartwarming photographs shared on social media.

Three images accompanied the announcement, including one of little Bowden wrapped snugly in a blanket, another showing Ms Buswell embracing her newborn and a third capturing Mr Sugg bringing their son home.

"Never felt a love like it. Baby Bowden Mark Richard Sugg. 16/03/26," the couple wrote in their joint caption, adding a blue heart emoji.

The choice of middle names holds deep personal significance for both parents. Mark honours Dianne's father, who shares the same name, while Richard pays tribute to Joe's grandfather, who passed away in 2021.

Fellow Strictly professionals rushed to offer their congratulations following the announcement.

Janette Manrara wrote: "The best news!!! Congratulations my gorgeous girl. So happy for you and @joe_sugg. The most beautiful moments in life are to come."

Former host Claudia Winkleman, who has since departed the programme, sent her own warm wishes, commenting: "He's amazing. Sending so much love to the three of you."

Dianne Buswell and Joe Sugg

Dianne Buswell and Joe Sugg have been together since 2018, when they met on BBC Strictly

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GETTY

Dancer Nikita Kuzmin also expressed his delight, posting: "Congratulations that's so so amazing, that's the best and most special thing in the world, love love love to you!!!" (sic)

The outpouring of support from their BBC colleagues reflected the affection held for the couple within the Strictly family, where their romance first blossomed nearly eight years ago.

The couple first crossed paths during the 2018 series of Strictly, where they were paired as dance partners and their connection developed before viewers' eyes.

Following the competition's conclusion, Mr Sugg revealed that whilst the Glitterball trophy had eluded him, he had won something far more valuable, subsequently confirming their relationship.

Dianne Buswell and Joe Sugg

The couple began their relationship after being partnered together on BBC Strictly in 2018

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BBC

The pair announced their pregnancy last September through a charming video set to Elton John's Tiny Dancer, depicting themselves painting stick figures to represent their growing family.

Throughout her time on the show whilst expecting, Ms Buswell faced criticism about dancing during pregnancy.

She responded defiantly with a video showing her moving energetically around her home and performing a cartwheel, captioning it: "For all the people saying they can't watch a pregnant girl dance!

"I just can't help it when I hear the beat."