Chris McCausland and his pro partner Dianne Buswell emerged victorious as the champions of 2024’s season of Strictly Come Dancing. The duo made history by being the first-ever blind contestant on the show, adding an extra layer of inspiration to their journey.
In a fiercely competitive final, the 47-year-old comedian outshined fellow finalists Tasha Ghouri, JB Gill, and Sarah Hadland. Chris’s charm and touching story captured the hearts of the audience, with many calling it the ‘best ever’ final which helped uplift the show after a challenging year filled with controversies.
The finale was a spectacle of talent, with all couples delivering three outstanding dance performances for the judges. After a nerve-wracking wait, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman proudly announced Chris as the deserving winner of the season, marking a memorable end to a remarkable journey on the dance floor.
The funnyman broke down in tears as he was embraced by his fellow celebs before throwing Dianne triumphantly over his shoulder as the audience went wild.
Asked how the moment felt by Tess and Claudia he struggled for words by the result, before replying: ‘It’s astonishing, I don’t know what to say’.
‘I honestly thought I was going to go out in the first week or two, and I know nobody went out in the first week but I still thought I could’.
‘We’ve just lasted and lasted and [Dianne] has got so much out of me and she deserves [the trophy] so much’ as he went on to gush over her ‘positivity’ and ‘belief’.
Before again joking ‘And unless she changes her number she’s stuck with me’.
Adding: ‘This is for [Dianne] and everyone out there, it just shows that with the opportunity and support anything is possible!’.
Speaking earlier in the show, Chris said: ‘I hope [me being on Strictly] will make a difference in people’s attitudes towards people who are blind and disabled people’.
‘When I started this my daughter was really nervous, she’s eleven, and I think she fed off my fears and worries but she’s been enjoying watching me and she’s really proud’.
‘I’ve learned that I am more resilient, I think It will take a lot more to scare me in the future and something doesn’t have to be perfect to be a success’.
With a dark cloud hanging over it since January when 2023 contestent Amanda Abbington first came forward with her complaints about pro partner Giovanni Pernice, Chris has brought the embattled show’s viewers bundles of joy.
The show was then hit with a fresh wave of scandal when Graziano Di Prima was sacked in July for ‘kicking’ his partner, Love Island star Zara McDermott.
Giovanni was cleared of ten out of Amanda’s 16 allegations when the BBC probe concluded in September but remained absent for the current edition of the series.
Following his abrupt exit from the programme, Giovanni went on to appear on the Italian version of Strictly.
Despite bosses finding Giovanni was not threatening or physically abusive, it did uphold some of Amanda’s complaints of verbal bullying and harassment.
The BBC also agreed with Amanda at times he appeared to be giving her overly negative feedback.
In a written statement, a spokesperson for Giovanni said: ‘We are pleased that this six-month review has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour by Giovanni.
‘Giovanni is relieved that the overwhelming majority of allegations out to the BBC have not been upheld and looks forward to continuing his work on Dancing With The Stars in Italy this season.’
The action packed show saw the judges hand out numerous tens and each celeb were left emotional as she they described how much they had loved appearing on the BBC show.
During one tearful segment, Tasha struggled to contain her emotions after she was surprised by beloved brother Alex who had jetted in from Australia especially to see her perform one final time.
Speaking about her sibling ahead of the reveal she said: ‘He’s in Australia right now, my brother is so supportive and I really miss him. He can’t be here today.’
Host Claudia Winkleman then announced Alex had the journey as he emerged, leaving Tasha overcome as she threw her arms around her brother as she choked back tears.
Meanwhile fans were delighted to see Amy Dowden as she made a surprise return to the dancefloor for the grand final.
Eagle-eyed viewers spotted the Welsh pro, 34, make a dazzling appearance as the Strictly professionals kicked off the show with a performance to Dreamer by Livin’ Joy.
Amy looked sensational in a sparkly gold dress as she danced next to pal and fellow dancer Kai Widdrington, 29.
She had originally been partnered with JLS star JB Gill, but was forced to withdraw from the series due to injury.
Professional dancer Lauren Oakley stepped in to partner JB, and together they made it all the way to the final.
Fans were overjoyed to see Amy back on stage, even if just for a moment, as they took to X to share their thoughts.
They said: ‘Great to see Amy dancing’: ‘So amazing seeing Amy back on the dancefloor: ‘Nice to see Amy dancing again with the professionals! But wow what an opening!: ‘Nice to see Amy’: Great to see Amy in the professional dance:’ Yay Amy dancing at the final,’
Prior to the Saturday’s night show, Amy showed her support for the pair as she said: ‘Wishing these two all the luck in the world. Go dance your heart outs but most importantly enjoy every second and beat on that dance floor.
‘I’m so proud of you @jbgill , I knew from day one you could go all the way! Your talent and kindness has shone through and I know how proud you’ve made your family! I’ll be there cheering you on!.
Ahead of the result former pro Giovanni, 33, said he was backing JB and Lauren to win, after he stepped back from the series before this year’s competition kicked off after bullying allegations from his former partner Amanda Abbington.
He said: ‘Good luck to this fantastic duo tonight ! but especially to Our dancing queen @laurenmayoakley.’
Elsewhere on the show Vito Coppola, 32, suffered a very awkward wardrobe malfunction and was left desperately struggling to hold up his trousers during the American Smooth with Miranda star Sarah, 53.
While still giving the routine his all the former winner was still forced to quickly return his hand to his waist in a bid to avoid being left rather red faced.
Following the dance Sarah was left in hysterics after realising the issue, while host Tess, 55, declared: ‘We have a wardrobe issue! Are you able to maintain your decency?’.
Giggling the dancer did everything he could to disguise the mishap before the judges scored the performance a very impressive 39 out of 40.
