Strictly's Dianne Buswell shares update on dad's health after cancer diagnosis

16 November 2023 , 17:33

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Strictly's Dianne Buswell shares update on dad's health after cancer diagnosis

Strictly Come Dancing pro Dianne Buswell has shared a heartfelt update about her father's health as he begins chemotherapy for cancer in Australia.

The 34-year-old revealed last month that her dad Mark was ill after fans noticed she appeared visibly down on an episode the glitzy BBC reality series. Dianne, who has been partnered with Bobby Brazier on Strictly this year, explained during an Instagram Q&A that she had been "obviously affected" by the news before asking her followers to send her father a "little thought or prayer."

Dianne, who is originally from Bunbury, a coastal town outside of Perth, has now shared another update about Mark's illness. In a photo posted to her Instagram on Thursday, a smiling Mark can be seen lying in a hospital bed and waving at the camera.

The Strictly star shared a snap of her dad as he began his cancer treatment

Dianne is dancing with Bobby Brazier on this year's Strictly (BBC)

"I'm so proud of you dad," Dianne captioned the picture. "First round of chemotherapy today ! i wish i could be there to hold your hand and support you in person... but i do know that i’m making you so proud over here in my concert every week ! the Australian nurses and drs are now very aware of strictly come dancing as my dad won’t stop talking about it." She signed off the touching message with the encouraging words, "you can do this daddy" and a helping of x's for kisses. The Aussie choreographer, who is dating Joe Sugg, also called Mark her 'hero' in an Instagram Story.

It didn't take long for Dianne's followers to react to the post, with many taking to the comment section to send support to the award-winning performer. Strictly dancer Amy Dowden, who is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer, was one of the first to respond. "Sending all my love to whole Buswell family! Mark you got this and soon it’s going to be a distant memory!" the wrote. "Roll on 2024 where you will be watching Dianne live in concerts. Thinking of you."

EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness

This isn't the first time Dianne has shared her close relationship with her father with the public. In 2021, she reposted a message she'd received from him ahead of the upcoming Strictly series. "To my little girl, all the best for this year’s show, I know you will make Mum and I proud as you have all ways done. love and missing you heaps love dad, GO DOT," Mark wrote in the sweet note.

In the meantime, Dianne is keeping busy as she and Bobby continue rehearsals ahead of Saturday's Blackpool special. The EastEnders star will be dancing an energetic Jive to Wake Me Up Before You Go Go by Wham! for the iconic show, much to the excitement of his devout fanbase.

Emma Dooney