Strictlys Dianne Buswell makes admission about new partner as Chris McCausland offers advice

Strictly Come Dancing's Dianne Buswell has spilled the beans about her new celebrity partner ahead of the show's much-anticipated return.

The 36 year old reigning Strictly champion, who clinched victory last year with comedian Chris McCausland, 48, revealed that her 2025 partner is "not as funny" as him.

In a candid chat with Chris on their podcast, Dianne confessed that she's been having plenty of laughs with the mystery male contestant,but reckons it's thanks to her own jokes.

READ MORE: Sweet moment Olly Murs' daughter meets newborn brother as nickname revealed

READ MORE: Loose Women’s Coleen Nolan shares heartbreaking decision after losing two sisters

On their Winning Isn't Everything with Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell podcast, she quipped: "I've never laughed so much in all my life, my god is he funny.

"Or maybe I'm just funny, maybe I was just laughing at myself. Maybe I said so many funny things where I was like, you know what? I am funny."

Dianne also shared some insights into being paired with someone outside of the comedy world on the BBC reality show, reports Wales Online.

She told Chris: "I've realised that now, when I was with you, you were kind of dominant with the old jokes.

"[I] couldn't get a word in edgeways with you, with your little lean forward in Claud's [Claudia Winkleman's] area."

Dianne reminisced about often having to "get [Chris'] shoulder and [putting] it back slightly" when she sensed he might say something cheeky live on-air.

She added: "And I just realised when you're with someone who's not as funny, I'm so much funnier because I'm the leader of the pack. I feel like I'm the dominant jokester."

Before meeting her fresh partner, Dianne disclosed that Chris had texted her saying: "'Have a lovely day today, but don't be too enthusiastic'."

The professional dancer continued to tell listeners that she had also contacted Chris for assistance with a gag she had planned.

"I think, from now on, all my jokes will come through you," she added. "You'll have to be my joke-checker."

In reply, he quipped that he should be the last person she asks about an appropriate joke.

Revealing the cheeky advice she'd offered her new partner after her experience with Chris, Dianne joked: "Apparently if you close your eyes, it works a treat."

Chris made history as the first blind contestant to feature on the programme - and triumph.

Throughout his stint in the competition, he frequently joked about his situation, and how he reckoned he'd be amongst the first contestants to get the boot.

In week one, the comedian quipped on the dance floor: "I may as well get the jokes out now, I'm only here for three weeks."

He also jested that there was "no point watching the show" previously, due to being blind.

Chris teased: "There's no point listening to it, is there? I'm just listening to some people giving some scores about songs."