Dianne Buswell’s return to Australia has been marked by loss as she dealt with the death of her grandma and her father’s major heart operation.

Dianne Buswell, 35, updated her fans today as she flew home to Australia to attend the funeral of her beloved grandmother, Nerina Venera Russo, who died on March 8. The Strictly star has been facing a tough time as of late, with her father also recovering from open heart surgery this morning.

On her Instagram Story, Dianne thanked supporters for their “well wishes” after she was inundated with comments on an emotional post her dad shared yesterday. She had posted a photo of her dad, Mark, in a hospital bed while undergoing treatment for cancer and described him as a “superhero”.

Dianne Buswell shared a sweet snap of her father following his heart operation. (Image: INSTAGRAM)

In 2023, the dancer shared that her father was undergoing his third round of chemotherapy. In a recent Instagram post, she was photographed alongside her father, who was smiling from his hospital bed, highlighting their bond during this challenging time.

Strictly judge Shirley Ballas wrote: “Love dad, love you, be strong.” Many other Strictly professionals, including Amy Dowden and Nancy Xu, left heart emojis.

Dianne had also previously shared a picture of her nan’s TV which showed her, Joe and the Strictly YouTube channels as the “top watched”.

Dianne was left heartbroken by the death of her grandmother. (Image: INSTAGRAM)

Alongside the post, the Strictly star wrote: “At Nan’s house these were her top channels [face holding back tears and red heart emoji]. Good choices, Nan.”

But despite their heartbreak over the loss, the family also had enjoyed a celebration as it was her nephew Roman’s Baptism, with Dianne being chosen as one of his godparents. Sharing an adorable video of the pair on her Instagram Story, the professional dancer said: “I’m so honoured to be your godmother. Special christening day for our baby Roman.”

It comes as Dianne took home the Glitterball trophy in the latest season of Strictly Come Dancing with comedian Chris McCausland.

Dianne has been dating Joe Sugg since 2018. (Image: INSTAGRAM)

After winning, she wrote on Instagram: “This really was a moment I’ll never forget in my life!

“I had my beautiful parents in the audience, and them seeing me dance was something I wanted for so long. The fact they got to see us lift the glitterball was just magical.”

Originally from Australia, Buswell joined Strictly in 2017 for the 15th series. Before her win with McCausland she had made it the final twice, with her now-boyfriend Joe Sugg in 2018 and then again with Bobby Brazier in 2023.