Stepping up for glittering prize

SEQUINS and smiles shimmy their way back on to our television screens tonight as the latest Strictly Come Dancing series launches.

- By Carla Duffy

The opening show will see Jessie J give a live performance amid her breast cancer treatment and ahead of releasing her fifth album, her first in seven years, this autumn.

It also features 2024's winning professional dancer Dianne Buswell, who shows that being pregnant is unlikely to slow her down.

Dianne, 36, is expecting a baby boy with partner and former Strictly other half Joe Sugg, 34.

One pre-broadcast image shows the Aussie dancer holding the Glitterball Trophy in the air while being lifted by fellow pro Kai Widdrington.

Earlier this week she was quizzed on her pregnancy on TikTok, with someone claiming she would not be able to do lifts, but Dianne cheekily responded: "I sure can, darlin'."