Strictly Come Dancing professional Dianne Buswell has officially confirmed the correct pronunciation of her newborn son's distinctive name on Instagram, following the joyous arrival of her first child with partner Joe Sugg. The couple, who originally met during the BBC dance competition's sixteenth series in 2018, announced the birth of their baby boy named Bowden, with middle names honouring both Dianne's father Mark and Joe's late grandfather Richard, who passed away in 2021.
Clarifying the Pronunciation
Taking to her Instagram Stories mere hours after sharing the initial announcement, Dianne provided crucial guidance on how to properly pronounce her son's unusual first name. She posted a tender photograph holding her newborn's tiny hand alongside the explanatory caption: 'Bowden Sugg. (Pronounced Boy like How not Bow like Row... hopefully that makes sense)'. This clarification came as many followers expressed curiosity about the unique moniker's correct enunciation.
Heartwarming Announcement Details
The original birth announcement featured multiple precious photographs, including one capturing Dianne cradling her adorable son in her arms and another documenting the moment the new parents brought baby Bowden home from the hospital. Dianne emotionally captioned the post: 'Never felt a love like it. Baby Bowden Mark Richard Sugg. 16/03/26.' The couple's pregnancy journey had been publicly shared since September, when they revealed they were expecting their first child through a creatively produced video set to Elton John's 'Tiny Dancer'.
Strictly Colleagues Flood with Congratulations
Numerous Strictly Come Dancing co-stars immediately flooded the comments section with heartfelt congratulations and well-wishes for the new parents. Vicky Pattison exclaimed: 'Omg!!!! Congratulations guys!!! He is Perfect.' while Vito Coppola wrote emotionally: '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.'
Nancy Xu enthusiastically responded: 'Untie Nancy can't wait to meet you, welcome to the world my beautiful angel. CONGRATULATIONS MY D D and @joe_sugg.' Janette Manrara commented: 'The best news!!! Congratulations my gorgeous girl. So happy for you and @joe_sugg. The most beautiful moments in life are to come.' Amy Dowden added: 'Utter perfection. So happy for you both, welcome baby Bowden! I can’t wait for cwtches xxxx.'
Further congratulations poured in from Gorka Marquez who posted: 'OMG!! Congrats to you both!!!' and Fleur East who shared: 'Ahhhh he’s here! Congratulations to both of you.' The overwhelming support from their Strictly family highlighted the close-knit relationships formed through the popular television programme.
Historic Pregnancy on Strictly
Dianne made Strictly Come Dancing history by becoming the first professional dancer to compete while pregnant during the 2025 series. Although she was partnered with Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis, their journey was unfortunately cut short when Dennis sustained an injury that forced their withdrawal from the competition. This led to widespread speculation that the withdrawal might have been a cover-up for pregnancy-related concerns, which Dianne promptly addressed on social media.
She clarified emphatically: 'Just to clarify as I have had lots of people msg me thinking this is a cover up for me being not able to dance!? Firstly we wouldn't lie especially about somebody being sick! And secondly I am fine, yes I am pregnant but I'm also very capable and feeling really good!' She further explained that established protocols exist for professional dancers who become injured or unwell during the competition.
Production Preparations and Family Plans
Strictly Come Dancing producers reportedly implemented contingency plans as Dianne's due date in early 2026 approached closely following the December 2025 series finale. A source revealed: 'Producers have plans in place, and there are several pros who could easily step in and take over at a moment's notice, because the show must go on. The BBC's primary concern is the health and wellbeing of Dianne and they fully intend to support her through the process with regular check-ins from the welfare team.'
Meanwhile, Dianne had openly discussed her desire to start a family in previous interviews, telling The Sun in May: 'I would like to have children, 100 per cent. 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.' The couple's relationship blossomed after being paired together during the 2018 series of Strictly Come Dancing, ultimately leading to this joyful new chapter as parents to baby Bowden.
