Strictly's Bobby Brazier details behind scenes challenge faced by winners Chris and Dianne

EastEnders star Bobby Brazier has shed light on the challenges faced by stars in Strictly Come Dancing, lavishing praise on his former dance partner Dianne Buswell.

Bobby teamed up with Dianne in the 2023 series of the show, where they narrowly missed out on victory, finishing as runners-up to Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola who clinched the coveted glitterball trophy.

The following year saw Dianne triumphantly secure her first Strictly win with comedian Chris McCausland, who broke new ground as the programme's first blind contestant.

Speaking to Reach Screen Time at the National Film Awards red carpet, Bobby couldn't hide his excitement about Dianne's 2024 success.

"I know, it's crazy! It's incredible what she's done," he enthused, before delving into the specific hurdles Chris and Dianne would have encountered during rehearsals.

He disclosed: "I was thinking about how, when I was doing it, mirrors were absolutely necessary, you know.

"They really helped me know what I was doing and when and you really rely on the mirror.

"But obviously, they couldn't use mirrors, because Chris is blind. So the way that he obviously learned is incredible and the way she taught him as well.

"She just has so much patience and determination," he continued, expressing his deep respect. "She's great - really, really great."

Dianne has kept up her friendships with both Bobby and Chris following their stints together on the fiercely competitive BBC dance floor, reports Devon Live.

Chris and Dianne shared a heartwarming reunion when she brought out her Strictly dance partner during a performance in Newport, where she was appearing alongside fellow dancer Vito Coppola.

Addressing the audience, she announced: "Tonight I have the honour of someone very, very special here and I am going to go and grab him.

"I think you're all going to know him very well," she continued, before urging the audience to "hold on" as she headed backstage, returning shortly with her famous Strictly cohort.

The crowd's cheers filled the room as they watched the two reunite in a fond embrace, with Dianne commenting: "Honestly, we actually didn't realise that we were in the same city."

Chris then shared his reflections on joining Strictly, confessing: "I said no to doing Strictly a few times because it was terrifying and I didn't really know what to do.

"But doing it with this one [Dianne], the most remarkable thing I have ever done."

Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer later this year.