Congratulations are in order for Dianne Buswell and Joe Sugg! The former Strictly finalists confirmed the arrival of their baby son, named Bowden on Wednesday.
Taking to Instagram, the couple shared the first photo of their newborn, which featured the newborn swaddled up in a blanket, alongside snaps of Dianne cuddled up with the newborn and Joe carrying their little tot home. In a joint caption, the pair said: “Never felt a love like it. Baby Bowden Mark Richard Sugg. 16/03/26.”
The pro dancer’s Strictly colleagues were quick to get in touch as Amy Dowden enthused: “Utter perfection. So happy for you both, welcome baby Bowden! I can’t wait for cwtches xxxx.” Nancy Xu added: “Auntie Nancy can’t wait to meet you, welcome to the world my beautiful angel. CONGRATULATIONS MY D D and @joe_sugg.”
It Takes Two host Janette Manrara, who is a mother to a young daughter, said: “The best news!!! Congratulations my gorgeous girl. So happy for you and @joe_sugg. The most beautiful moments in life are to come,” while Gorka Marquez, who is a father-of-two, posted: “OMG!! Congrats to you both!!!”
Former Strictly champ Vito Coppola was also over the moon, saying: “Oh Finally, bello di zio. I am so so happy, crying for joy and happiness. Uncle Vito cannot wait to meet you. Love love love. Bellissimo a zio.”
Dianne’s pregnancy
The couple shared that they were expecting their first child on 14 September 2025, alongside a clip that was set to the tune of Elton John’s classic, Tiny Dancer. In the video, the couple were seen painting a picture of themselves alongside a stick-figure child.
Joe said in the comments: “Our little baby boy. We cannot wait to meet you.”
© BBC/Guy LevyDianne quickly confirmed that she would continue to perform on Strictly while carrying her child, making history as the first pregnant professional dancer to compete on the show. However, she was sadly targeted by trolls while dancing with Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis.
One critic wrote: “I don’t want to see her dance being pregnant, it’s already feeling uncomfortable and she’s only starting to show. It’s really not appropriate.”
© Anthony Harvey/ShutterstockOn her Instagram Stories, Dianne responded: “I can’t believe in 2025 things like this are still being said.”
She also had to dismiss rumours that Stefan was forced to withdraw from the competition due to her being pregnant. The Australian actor exited the competition after tearing a muscle in his calf, and responding to fans spreading conspiracy theories, the 36-year-old dancer explained: “I sound like a broken record but I’m seeing a bit of this floating around again. I know people say ignore it but actually why should I?”
© Instagram“I will speak up… I would love nothing more than to keep dancing this week next week the week after that so on and so forth. In fact, I have more energy this year than I did this time last year. Please respect Stefan who is extremely gutted to not be able to dance and stop presuming this was a set up! Because believe me we would if we could.”
The TV personality has kept her followers updated over the months, regularly filming content with her influencer partner for their social media accounts as they navigate their journey towards becoming first-time parents.
As her due date neared, Dianne shared a number of photographs of her baby bump and reflected upon her pregnancy. She mused: “So in awe of what my body has been able to do during pregnancy I always thought i would struggle mentally with the changes to my body but actually it’s made me appreciate it more than ever before. Can’t wait to meet you darling boy”.
© InstagramRelationship history
Dianne and Joe first met each other in 2018 when they were paired together on Strictly Come Dancing. The pair made it all the way to the final, but eventually lost out to Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton. After the final aired, the couple announced their relationship, with Joe sweetly saying: “I may not have won the glitter ball, but I’ve won something a million times more special.”
Eight months into their relationship, the duo took a huge step in their relationship after deciding to move in together. Joe shared the news in a YouTube vlog titled: “I asked her to move in with me.” He even revealed the adorable way that he asked his partner, handing her a LEGO piece of the couple dancing together.
© InstagramIt carried the message: “So I have officially invited you to live in my humble abode with me. Do you want to move in with me? Yes or no. Circle your choice. All my love, Joseph.”
In 2021, the pair purchased their first home together. The couple shared a sweet picture with Dianne leaping onto her boyfriend’s back while pointing at their new home. Joe and Dianne have since left their abode and now live in Brighton, where they will raise their newborn.
Although they’ve been together for nearly eight years, the pair have never indicated that they’re intending to get married. Speaking to HELLO! in 2021, Dianne revealed: “I’m quite an unorganised person actually, Joe and I don’t really talk about that kind of thing [marriage]. We’re both so relaxed so we just play it by ear. We really enjoy each other’s company so much and whatever happens, happens.”
© InstagramDespite being on the fence about a wedding, the couple have always been aligned in their desire to start a family one day. Dianne told HELLO! in 2024: “Joe and I, we both love kids, so of course one day we would love to have our own children.” She also told The Sun on Sunday: “I would like to have children, 100%. Joe and I love kids, and that’s definitely something that we would absolutely love. I haven’t really thought about how many I would like. It will definitely happen.”
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