The dancer offered an update on her dad’s recent return to hospital in what she described as a ‘tough 18 months’

Strictly Come Dancing's Dianne Buswell in the hospital with her dad, Mark
Strictly Come Dancing’s Dianne Buswell in the hospital with her dad, Mark(Image: Dianne Buswell Instagram)

Dianne Buswell has been flooded with messages of love and support as she offered an update on her dad’s recent return to hospital in what she described as a ‘tough 18 months’.

Last weekend, the Strictly Come Dancing star took to Instagram and shared a photo of herself with her dad, who was laying alongside her in a hospital bed. “My dad my super hero,” Dianne captioned the post.

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She didn’t expand on why Mark was in the hospital at the time but has since been heard speaking to her fellow Strictly champ Chris McCausland about the challenges her trip home to Australia has presented.

Speaking to Chris during the latest episode of their podcast, Winning Isn’t Everything, Dianne said she was wearing a hat in her dad’s honour that he was seen sporting during the epic Strictly final back in December.

“I thought I’m going to wear it in honour of Mark today because in this podcast I think we’ll talk about Mark a fair bit,” she said before Chris laughed in response: “Are we, Di? Why? What’s possibly happened, Di?” Dianne replied: “Well Chris, the reason I’m still in Australia…”

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She then digressed as she commented: “My flight has been changed three times now to come home and in this short space of time that I’ve been on my holiday ,because I went to a wedding in South Africa, on my holiday I’ve been to a wedding, I’ve been to a funeral, I’ve been to a christening, I’ve been in intensive care unit wards numerous times, we’ve been nominated for a BAFTA….

“There’s been so many ups and downs in this short space of time, it’s been pretty intense. I’m still in Perth, I’m in a hotel room at the moment literally 500 metres from the Perth hospital and the reason I’m there is my dad’s in there.”

Dianne went on to explain that her dad ended up having open heart surgery after regular check-ups following a previous cancer diagnosis flagged concerns with his heart.

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But she added that the doctors have been amazed at the speed of Mark’s recovery having undergone a double heart bypass as the main artery to his heart was blocked.


Dianne with her parents Mark and Rina(Image: Dianne Buswell Instagram)

Following the release of the podcast episode, Dianne returned to Instagram with a snap of herself and her dad, as well as another with her mum, Rina, as she let her loyal following know how things were improving.

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Alongside the photos, the dancer shared: “And he’s up and walking around the ward like a champion after his heart surgery. My poor dad has had a tough 18 months but in true Buswell style has shown strength and resilience.

“And my beautiful mum who has been the saviour in it all she is by his side 24/7 and has been a little trooper you are one of a kind mum. Love you both and I feel so lucky I was able to be here with you both @mark.3802 @rinabuswell.”

Dianne’s fans and followers were quick to respond. @tamsin_niven said: “Mark is an absolute trouper! even wearing his chris and dianne hat bless him. sending you all so much love!” @eddo_official wrote: “Mark you are a marvel. Sending love to you all! Your all amazing.”@elliegx_ commented: “Mark you’re an absolute warrior. Sending you so much love and well wishes.” @buswellsdaisy replied: “So happy he’s having a healthy recovery! sending you all so much love.” @xamylouise89x added: “Pleased he’s doing well and that you were there with them.”