Strictly Come Dancing professional Dianne Buswell has shared an emotional message about her father Mark’s cancer battle, as she said it ‘broke her heart’ to see him in pain

Strictly Come Dancing’s Dianne Buswell says ‘it broke my heart’ as she details family struggle (Image: Dianne Buswell Instagram)

Dianne Buswell has shared a glimpse into the heavy burden her and her family were navigating before her triumphant Strictly Come Dancing win last year.

The last series of the BBC One show was filled with heartfelt moments, not least when Dianne lifted the Glitterball trophy for the first time – but another joy for the Australian dancer was that her parents were there watching her perform for the first time ever.

After eagerly anticipating their arrival from Australia, Dianne posted a lovely snap of the pair lending a hand in the kitchen at the £3.5 million home she shares with boyfriend Joe Sugg, whom she met on Strictly in 2018. Accompanied by two crying-laughing emojis, Dianne hinted at how special this long-awaited reunion with her parents was to her.

She later revealed that they had come to visit her and dance partner Chris McCausland during training. Alongside a snapshot of the four of them, she wrote: “This year of strictly has been special in so many ways thanks to the wonderful Chris! This is just the cherry on top. Magic moments that I’ll cherish forever.”

This heart-warming reunion followed Dianne’s return to Australia at the end of 2023 with Joe, to support dad Mark during his treatment for cancer. In April of the following year, Dianne hailed her dad as her “hero”, lauding his resilience and constant smile.

She shared a touching montage of photos and videos of Mark throughout his treatment on Instagram, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The heartfelt footage concluded with her dad triumphantly ringing the bell to mark the end of his treatment. And Dianne was obviously emotional, writing in the caption: “To my daddy you did it 6 months later and 12 rounds done.

“I am so so PROUD of you it’s been a tough road but you have always done it with a smile and a thumbs up. I know you were scared and I know it was not easy but you have done it.”

Strictly Come Dancing’s Dianne Buswell with her parents (Image: Motsi Mabuse Instagram)
Clearly close to her parents, Dianne had endless praise for them both: “I wish so much I could be there right now and just cuddle you. You’re my hero and you have made me realise we all have so much more strength then we think. And to my beautiful mum who has not left your side and been the best support system ever thank you. Us kids are so lucky to have you both we love you so much.”

And she was obviously keen to have her beloved parents return to see her, saying: “Now we need to book that trip in back to UK for the both of you.”

On February 4, which marked World Cancer Day, Dianne posted: “Sending love to all those affected. My dear dad two years ago was unrecognisable”.

She opened up about the pain of seeing him suffer: “It broke my heart to see him so much pain in his eyes. But with the help of the drs, nurses and wonderful people around him, he pulled through. It’s not easy for all involved and I send my love to anybody affected.”

She also took a moment to honour her friend and fellow Strictly sensation Amy Dowden, who bravely battled breast cancer in 2023. Dianne posted on her Instagram Story: “And this wonderful human,” coupled with plenty of pink heart emojis.