Jeff Brazier speaks out on son Bobby after BBC Strictly Come Dancing partner Dianne Buswell left 'gutted'

EastEnders star Bobby and his dance partner Dianne were back in the ballroom over the weekend with Jeff proudly watching on

Jeff Brazizer has spoken out in support of his son Bobby after their latest Strictly Come Dancing performance left professional dancer Dianne Buswell 'gutted'. EastEnders star Bobby and his dance partner Dianne were back in the ballroom over the weekend.

The pair were set to compete in the quarter-finals of the BBC One dance contest - which was also Musicals week - in a bid to secure their place in the semi-finals of Strictly 2023.

But major changes had to be made following Nigel Harman's sudden exit from the competition. The actor and his professional dance partner Katya Jones had to withdraw from Strictly 2023 after he sustained a rib injury that left him in A&E.

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But the show went on and the remaining couples still performed for the judges' scores, which will be carried over to the semi-final as there was no dance-off or elimination. And it was down to Bobby and Dianne to close the show.

The 20-year-old soap star soared to new heights with Australian dancer Dianne as they took on the classic Dirty Dancing lift during their Strictly routine. The couple danced the salsa to the song (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life from the 1987 movie, which landed them a score of 34 out of a possible 40.

Head judge Shirley Ballas said she felt it was one of the “most difficult” routines they had taken on, and praised how Brazier had led his dance partner. Anton Du Beke said he felt the lift was executed with “great style and great panache”, while Craig Revel Horwood felt it had “failed” in his mind as Buswell was not able to raise her arms into the air during the lift due to how the actor had lifted her.

On Sunday, Dianne spoke out on the lift. On Instagram, the Australian dancer shared a photo of herself and Bobby in rehearsals, demonstrating that they had managed to pull off the lift perfectly before the live show.

In her caption, she wrote: "Gutted the LIFT didn’t go to plan like it had in most rehearsals. But I do have to say we took a risk and didn’t play it safe that dance was hard and so iconic that of course there was pressure to do it justice. And the feeling of just not quite getting it was a bit low for us."

She continued: ‘HOWEVER Bobby wanted to challenge himself and so did I. Let’s focus on the amazing parts of the dance the fact Bobby was leading me around the floor his hips foot work expression and just overall improvement for a guy who started dancing only 11 weeks ago is incredible!

"Your strength your movement has improved so so much and I’m sure so many people agree." Dianne concluded by saying: ‘We are so excited and grateful to be dancing in the semi finals next week. But I also send my love to Nigel and Katya who have been incredible this whole competition."

Jeff, who was once again seen proudly watching on from the audience as his son performed live in the ballroom on Saturday night, has since taken to Instagam with a snap of Bobby and Dianne channelling the late Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in their famous Dirty Dancing roles, Johnny Castle and Frances 'Baby' Houseman.

"Proud of @bobbybrazier & @diannebuswell reaching the @bbcstrictly semi-finals," the TV presenter typed in the caption. "With two routines to learn and the busiest of weeks I’m so glad they can rely on one another for teamwork, patience and encouragement which makes them the strong partnership they are!" He added: "We’re right behind you Bob & Di."