'Dance makes me extremely happy'

Strictly professional Dianne Buswell on this year’s series, forging close friendships and the secrets of her signature red hair

-  KENZI DEVINE

Strictly Come Dancing is gearing up to return for another exciting year, and as always the show's professional dancers have been hard at work perfecting their routines. And one dancer who is no stranger to the Strictly buzz is Dianne Buswell, who can't wait to get back on-screen.

After seven years on the BBC series, it's clear that Australian-born Dianne, 35, hasn't grown tired of the glittering outfits or the sultry sambas just yet.

The clock hasn't even struck nine in the morning when Dianne sits down with us for an exclusive catch-up from the Strictly rehearsal room in London, and the dancer is bursting with energy.

"Oh, my God, it's so fun!" beams Dianne as we ask how preparation for the new series is going. "It's so good to be back. I love being back with everyone and dancing alongside my friends.

"And dance is something that makes me extremely happy. So I always say that I can't believe I get to do this as my job every day. It is pretty cool. I'm very excited for another year of Strictly."

Dianne may not have held up the Glitterball Trophy yet on Strictly, but the star has made friends for life - both in her fellow dancers and her celebrity partners.