Dianne Buswell reveals why she really wanted to be paired with boyfriend Joe Sugg before BBC Strictly romance

BBC Strictly pro Dianne Buswell has revealed the real reason she was so excited to be paired with now boyfriend Joe Sugg in the 2018 series of the show.

Buswell, 35, and Sugg, 33, were speaking about their experience during Saturday’s 20th anniversary celebration of the popular dance show.

To mark Strictly’s two decades on air, former and current members of the Strictly family gathered to reflect on the show’s history.

Buswell and Sugg looked over footage of their first official meeting on the show, watching the moment host Tess Daly announced they were to be partners for the 2018 series.

“When I was first partnered with Joe, I was buzzing,” the 35-year-old explained as she watched playback of herself cheering with joy and leaping into Sugg’s arms.

While their time in the show would bring them together as life partners, the Aussie dancer admitted she had other reasons to be excited initially.

The 35-year-old revealed: “I was like, ‘Oh yeah! I’m going to get so many Instagram followers!’”

YouTube personality Sugg maintains millions of followers across multiple social media platforms.

Sugg, connecting the dots, asked: “I that why everyone was floating around me at the start?

His partner’s emphatic confirmation made him laugh and add: “I admire your honesty!”

The couple also looked back on their favourite dance of the series, their Quickstep to Dancin‘ Fool by Copacabana during the iconic Blackpool Week.

“The Quickstep at Blackpool was my favourite dance for many reasons. I had my family come up to watch. More importantly, my nan who danced there when she was younger,” Sugg reminisced.

“Oh, you’re so cute! Your posture is so straight,” Buswell exclaimed sweetly watching the dance back.

Sugg evidently still had the rhythm of the dance, humming and bobbing along. He pointed out judges Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli getting to their feet to cheer him on in the background of shots.

“Craig (Revel-Horwood) sat down,” he added with a knowing look to camera.

While the finalist pair missed out on the ultimate prize in 2018, Buswell and fan-favourite celeb partner Chris McCausland lifted the Glitterball trophy during this year’s series.

Speaking about her time so far on the show, the 35-year-old Aussie explained dancing on Strictly was: “A real big honour.”

“The gratitude I have to this show and everyone that works on it is immense,” Buswell concluded.