BBC Strictly’s Dianne Buswell shares heartbreak over family member’s death

Strictly Come Dancing professional Dianne Buswell has shared the devastating news that her beloved grandfather has died at the age of 99 as she paid a moving tribute

12:52, 06 Jul 2025

Strictly Come Dancing star Dianne Buswell has shared a touching tribute to her beloved grandfather who passed away at the age of 99.

The professional dancer took to Instagram to post a heartfelt montage of precious moments with her grandad.

In one touching video, she surprises him, eliciting his charming response: "Well, I'll be," as he catches sight of her. The montage also includes a light-hearted moment where Dianne and her grandfather are seen walking down a corridor, with her jokingly challenging him: "Gonna have a race with me."

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Dianne wrote a moving message in memory of her grandfather: "Rest in peace pop [heart emojis] you were 99 years young [praying hands emoji], thank you for all the stories and I just know you will be up there dancing with Nan already."

The outpouring of support was immediate, with friends and fans reaching out. Vito Coppola expressed his condolences with a heart and praying hands emoji, while Michelle Tsiakkas conveyed: "I'm so sorry for your loss Di.

Sending you and your family all my love."

A fan expressed their sympathy, saying: "99 years young and etched in our hearts forever. Sending you and the family all my love always.", reports the Express[3].

Another follower added their condolences: "Oh I'm so sorry to hear this Di! Such sad news!

What a legend your pop was!

99 years old! He'll be looking down on you in awe of what you're doing."

This loss comes shortly after Dianne mourned the death of her grandmother just weeks before. In March, she had shared a poignant clip of her nan, along with the caption: "Rest in peace nan.

Love you very much."

Reflecting on her poignant goodbye, Dianne expressed her heartfelt thanks: "I'm so grateful I was home to say goodbye to such a special lady in my life. Now go be with pop he has been patiently waiting for you."

In April last year, Dianne took to social media to share the uplifting news that her father, Mark, had triumphantly completed his intense 12-round chemotherapy treatment.

In a touching tribute, she wrote: "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."

She went on to commend her mother's steadfast support throughout her father's ordeal, stating: "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."

References

1. ^ M6 driver's BMW seized after carrying out common mistake on motorway (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
2. ^ BirminghamLive WhatsApp (chat.whatsapp.com)
3. ^ the Express (www.express.co.uk)