The Strictly Come Dancing winner has praised her "poor dad" after he bounced back from two health setbacks
Strictly Come Dancing's Dianne Buswell has hailed her dad, Mark, as she shared a health update. The Australian dancer lifted the glitterball with Liverpool comic Chris McCausland in the 2024 edition of the BBC contest.
The triumph was particularly emotional for Dianne as her parents, Mark and Rina, travelled to the UK from Australia to watch her perform live for the fist time in eight years. Dianne enjoys a special relationship with her parents and regularly shares updates from her family life on Instagram.
Her dad, Mark, has endured a difficult 18 months as he was diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemotherapy. Dianne confirmed her dad had finished his chemotherapy in April last year in an emotional post.
However, she has now revealed he has been dealt another blow as he has underwent heart surgery. She shared a snap by her dad's hospital bed as she said: "And he’s up and walking around the ward like a champion after his heart surgery.
"My poor dad has had a tough 18 months but in true Buswell style has shown strength and resilience. And my beautiful mum who has been the saviour in it all she is by his side 24/7 and has been a little trooper you are one of a kind mum.
Love you both and I feel so lucky I was able to be here with you both." Followers took to the comments to shares messages of support after Dianne's update.
Eadie said: "Wonderful news! So glad he’s doing well." Eddo commented: "Mark you are a marvel. Sending love to you all! Your all amazing xxx"
Anita commented: "So happy to hear this! You have such a beautiful family." Luce posted: "So glad that you get to be with them through this"
Fans were also thrilled as they spotted he was wearing a cap in tribute to Chris and Dianne's partnership. Milly said: "Him wearing the Chris and Dianne hat"
In an interview with the ECHO, Chris explained how their initial goal in the competition was to reach week eight of the contest so Mark and Rina could see Dianne perform live for the first time in years.
He said: "Me and Dianne have really had this pipedream of being here the week after Blackpool because her mum and dad are coming from Australia and they haven't seen her dance live for eight years.
"If we can get through these next two weeks then we've hit our goal of her being able to have that moment. This is nothing without her, she has got the most out of me and I think it will be nice if we're both able to give something to each other.
"If we can get to that moment then stick a fork in me, I'll be done. But certainly, I'm hoping to stay in this for as long as possible." Chris more than exceeded his target as the show's first ever blind contestant made history by winning the show. He has continued his bond with Dianne as they have launched a podcast titled Winning Isn't Everything.
