Strictly Come Dancing professional Dianne Buswell has swapped her signature red hair for a bold new 'mahogany smoke' colour, ending a nine-year run with her iconic fiery tresses. The 37-year-old dancer, known for her vibrant red hair since joining the BBC show in 2017, revealed the dramatic makeover on Instagram, sharing a smouldering photo that left fans 'obsessed'.
From Red to Smoke: The New Look
Buswell debuted the deep, smoky hue on July 26, 2026, posting a close-up selfie that showcased the rich colour. In the caption, she wrote: 'When Mahogany smoke is the new red! My team need some love for creating this look.' She thanked hairdresser Dylan James Donnelly for the colour and Vicky Demetriou for blending and enhancing with extension expertise from Great Lengths UK. 'I'm obsessed,' she added, noting that she had vlogged the entire transformation for her followers.
The new look marks a significant shift for Buswell, who had previously experimented with cuts but largely kept her red colour constant since her Strictly debut. While she occasionally added highlights or subtle changes, the mahogany smoke represents her most dramatic colour departure to date.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Frenzy
The post quickly garnered thousands of likes and comments from stunned fans. One wrote: 'OMFG you look sensational,' while another shared: 'Gorgeous.' Others commented: 'Omg stunning colour. Really suits you,' and 'Dianne Mamacita, you look sen bloody sational. Love this colour so much.' The overwhelmingly positive response underscored her popularity as both a dancer and a style icon.
Buswell's transformation comes ahead of her return to the Strictly dance floor for the upcoming series later this year. She won the competition in 2024 with comedian Chris McCausland, but had to exit the 2025 series early after her celebrity partner, Neighbours star Stefan Dennis, suffered a severe calf injury. Despite the setback, Buswell remains a fan favourite and is expected to be paired with a new celebrity for the 2026 season.
New Motherhood and Personal Life
Beyond her dance career, Buswell has embraced a new role as a mother. She welcomed her son, Bowden, in March 2026 with her partner, YouTube star Joe Sugg. The couple met on Strictly in 2018 and have been together ever since. Buswell previously revealed that the name Bowden originated as a joke: 'Joe used to live on Bowden Hill when he was growing up and he said as a joke, "Oh, we should name him Bowden!" And I said, "I actually really like it!" So it stuck. It was meant to be a joke and I said, "Oh I love that!" From very early on we were calling him Bowie and Bowden, and I just couldn't call him anything else!'
Balancing motherhood with her Strictly commitments, Buswell has continued to train and maintain her fitness. Her new hair colour marks a fresh chapter as she prepares for the next season, with fans eagerly awaiting her return to the ballroom.
A Career Defined by Red Hair
Buswell's red hair became synonymous with her presence on Strictly, often matching her vibrant costumes and energetic performances. Over the years, she became one of the most recognisable professionals on the show, known for her dynamic choreography and warm personality. Her decision to change colour after nearly a decade signals a new era, both personally and professionally.
The 'mahogany smoke' shade, a blend of deep browns with smoky undertones, is expected to become a trend among fans who admire her style. Buswell's openness about the transformation process, including her vlog, offers a behind-the-scenes look at how professional dancers prepare for the spotlight. As Strictly's 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Dianne Buswell, now with a stunning new look to match her undeniable talent.
