Strictly Come Dancing’s reigning champion, Dianne Buswell, has let slip some juicy details about her new celebrity partner as the beloved BBC show gears up for its highly anticipated 2025 return. The 36-year-old professional dancer, who waltzed her way to victory last year with comedian Chris McCausland, didn’t hold back when discussing her latest pairing on their podcast, Winning Isn’t Everything with Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell. In a cheeky and candid chat, Dianne playfully dubbed her new partner “a terrible mistake” in the humor department, especially when compared to the quick-witted Chris.
Dianne, known for her infectious energy and sharp sense of humor, revealed that her new mystery male partner isn’t quite the comedian her former partner was. “I’ve never laughed so much in all my life,” she teased on the podcast, before adding with a laugh, “Or maybe I’m just funny. Maybe I was laughing at my own jokes. I mean, I am funny, right?” Her playful jab suggests that the laughs in the rehearsal room might be coming more from her own wit than her new partner’s.
Reflecting on her time with Chris, the first blind contestant to compete on Strictly and ultimately win, Dianne reminisced about his knack for stealing the spotlight with his humor. “When I was with you, you were kind of dominant with the old jokes,” she told Chris. “I couldn’t get a word in edgeways with you, especially in Claudia’s [Winkleman] area!” She even admitted to physically nudging Chris back during live shows when she sensed one of his cheeky quips was coming. “I’d have to grab your shoulder and pull it back slightly,” she laughed, recalling his mischievous moments.
This year, however, Dianne’s found herself taking the lead as the “dominant jokester” with her new partner, who she jokingly admitted isn’t as naturally funny. “I’ve realized when you’re with someone who’s not as funny, I’m so much funnier,” she said with a grin. “I’m the leader of the pack now!”
Before meeting her new partner, Dianne shared that Chris sent her a playful text: “Have a lovely day today, but don’t be too enthusiastic.” Clearly, their bond remains strong, with Dianne even turning to Chris for help with a gag she had planned. “I think, from now on, all my jokes will come through you,” she told him. “You’ll have to be my joke-checker.” Chris, ever the comedian, quipped back that he’s probably the last person she should ask for appropriate humor.
Dianne also revealed some cheeky advice she passed on to her new partner, inspired by her time with Chris: “Apparently, if you close your eyes, it works a treat.” The lighthearted dig referenced Chris’s historic Strictly journey, where he often poked fun at his blindness. From week one, he had audiences in stitches, joking, “I may as well get the jokes out now, I’m only here for three weeks.” He even teased that there was “no point watching the show” as a blind viewer, adding, “There’s no point listening to it, is there? I’m just listening to some people giving some scores about songs.”
Despite his self-deprecating humor and predictions of an early exit, Chris defied the odds, captivating viewers with his charm, resilience, and dance floor prowess alongside Dianne. Their partnership not only made Strictly history but also set a high bar for humor and heart.
As fans eagerly await the new season, Dianne’s playful comments have sparked curiosity about her new partner’s identity and whether he’ll rise to the challenge of matching her energy—both on the dance floor and in the comedy department. One thing’s for sure: with Dianne leading the pack, this season’s rehearsals are bound to be filled with laughter, even if she’s the one cracking the jokes.