Strictly's Dianne Buswell addresses Shirley Ballas slip-up

"We are all human and doing the best we can."

By Brenna Cooper

7 Nov 2022

Strictly Come Dancing pro Dianne Buswell has responded to comments about judge Shirley Ballas' calling her the wrong name.

While giving the star and her dancing partner Tyler West feedback on their routine during Saturday (November 5) night's show, Ballas referred to Dianne as Diana, which several Strictly viewers swiftly picked up on.

FAO: Shirley Ballas.

Her name is Dianne, not Diana.

Kind regards,
The nation. #Strictly pic.twitter.com/Tcb0LrBPTN
— Wando (@Wandoful) November 5, 2022

I just really want to know WHY Shirley calls Dianne Buswell, Diana. Every. Single. Week. #BBCStrictly
— Emma Parkinson (@missemmavic) November 5, 2022

How after 5 years can Shirley insist on getting Dianne’s name wrong? #Strictly pic.twitter.com/6l25dLMpq8
— helen 📚 (@HelenJSlater) November 5, 2022

Buswell has now addressed the situation via her Instagram account, clarifying that the name mix-up didn't offend her and urged fans to be kind towards Ballas as it upsets her to see someone "being bullied".

"Firstly thank you guys for all the support on our dance last night. It was a tough week but I am forever in awe of the hard work and dedication Tyler brings every single week," she wrote.

tyler west, dianne buswell, strictly come dancing

BBC/Guy Levy

She added: "Another point I want to address is I have seen a lot of hateful comments aimed at Shirley for simply adding an 'a' to the end of my name which doesn't offend me - but what does make me upset is someone being bullied online.

"We are all human and doing the best we can. Lets all please be kind to one another and not put each other down.

"Once again thank you for all your positive messages it really does mean a lot to us all."

tyler west and dianne buswell, strictly come dancing 2022, week 2

BBC

Buswell's Strictly co-stars responded to the post with supportive messages, with Claudia Winkleman, Fleur East, Amy Dowden and Nancy Xu all leaving heart emoji comments.

This isn't the first time Ballas has faced criticism from fans of the show, with the judge previously insisting that she takes the job seriously after being accused of favouritism.

Speaking at the Pride of Britain Awards last month, she said while speaking to Metro: "I take my job seriously. I’m honoured and humbled to be able to be the head judge on Strictly Come Dancing."

Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One, while spin-off show Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows also stream on BBC iPlayer.

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