Dianne Buswell has revealed the reason behind her emotional Strictly Come Dancing appearance earlier this month which sparked concern with viewers.
The pro dancer, 34, struggled to hold back tears while chatting to Claudia Winkleman after her and celeb partner Bobby Brazier’s Tango.
She said of the EastEnders star during the chat: “He has just been a massive rock this week, so thank you,” before her voice then broke.
Following a week of speculation, the BBC star has now finally addressed her comments and revealed that her father Mark, who lives in Bunbury, Australia, is unwell.
Opening up in her latest YouTube video, Buswell shared: “I thought I would be very upfront and honest with you all.
“Last week I got some news about my dad's health and I won't go into detail, but obviously that affected me.
“Being away from home and not being able to support and help your family in a time of need is quite a difficult thing so I did struggle a little bit last week in terms of that.”
The dancer explained that her family would no longer be travelling to the UK for Christmas following her dad’s health issues and she will instead fly home to Australia at the end of the year.
She shared in the update: “There is a little road ahead for my dad but I believe 100% he is going to be fine and we are all going to get through it together.”
Buswell was then left emotional as she asked fans to send her dad “a little thought or prayer”, which she would “greatly appreciate”.
Adding: “My dad is the sweetest, kindest man you will ever meet and the one thing he really wants is for me to keep going and to keep dancing my little heart out and doing what I love because that makes him the absoluteproudest.
“Regardless if I go home with a glitterball or not I willstill go home and have a hot Christmas.”
