Have created an account purely to add to the conversation about the now-deleted video. I just wanted to explain my views somewhere without being attacked by Dianne stans.
I think it's more complicated than her simply trying to get fitter/lose weight. For me, a lot of the signs that disturbed me weren't what she ate but how she behaved. Lots of talk about calories and actively checking how many she'd burnt cleaning the house. The discussions about grams of sugar etc. The supplements which seemed excessive but also in no way useful for her body. BUT the thing that got me most was the whole not cooking for Joe thing. We can all see that he likes being waited on and that he's lazy, but I also know that an ED is about control and that- by being the one to cook the food- she's completely in charge and knows exactly what she's eating, down to the amount of oil she uses to fry an onion etc. Might sound odd, but it was something I picked up on.
I know Dianne has a lot of energy. I mean, girl is used to dancing 10-12 hours a day and she says she doesn't get tired. I get why she needs to work out and I get that she needs to be conscious of remaining physically fit, but I think the way she's going about it is unhealthy. I know their body types are different, but I can't help but compare her regime to people like Karen Hauer and Gemma Atkinson. Gemma is a vegetarian but supplements her diet with plenty of iron and other good stuff. Dianne's had iron deficiency anaemia before which required a transfusion- I hope this day's food didn't reflect a general trend and that she is getting enough of those minerals, but it worried me to see. Even the fact that she fell asleep editing tells you something. It's unusual and it reflects her previous experiences.
Despite everything, Dianne does have an influence on the people who watch her videos. And some- as we know from the HP sponsored video- are super, super young. Even if they're not actively following her routines, the message she's giving is going to go into their heads somehow and it's unfortunately a very damaging one. We know young girls especially are so susceptible to influencers- hence their name- and I think, therefore, taking the video down for damage limitation was the most sensible choice. People won't necessarily avoid the video with a triggering title because they know they'll be missing out on other content. And because they trust Dianne and hold her up as a role model.
I absolutely adore Dianne and I've been following her for a long time. I think she's a great advocate and that her intentions are pure; sometimes it takes someone else to point out a concern. Unfortunately, a lot of her online fans have a tendency to almost 'love bomb' her when there is anything negative and remain blind to the very valid things people have said on her video. People wouldn't be worried about this if they didn't like her; I don't think some stans have made that link in their heads.
In all honestly, I think Strictly need to do more about the general health of their dancers, especially at the moment. I can remember Alex Scott saying on Kevin Clifton's podcast that she was shocked that the show doesn't have a nutritionist. Dianne's not the only dancer to have lived with an ED and she certainly won't be the last, but the show could certainly do more to protect the physical and psychological health of the dancers.
Anyway, I've got plenty more I could add but I've said enough. Just wanted to put my thoughts in writing somewhere. Sorry it's so long!
the lack of insight or self awareness about what she was putting out is worrying too. I really like Dianne and think she means well and has a kind heart, in some ways the backlash/having to take it down could be a good thing to raise awareness for people around her.
