'A light that shines': McCausland helps Strictly regain entertainment crown

It has been a difficult year for Strictly Come Dancing. Just six months ago, questions were mounting about whether it should be axed after a string of allegations of bullying during rehearsals, amid fears controversy would hang over its 22nd season when it launched in September.

- Jessica Murray

But as Chris McCausland lifted the glitterball trophy in Saturday night's final, those fears appeared unfounded. Strong viewing figures and an overwhelmingly positive reaction to this year's lineup suggest the show has regained its place at the heart of Saturday night family entertainment.

The 47-year-old Liverpudlian comedian was the show's first blind contestant, and his humour, determination and warmth in his dancing style captured viewers' hearts from the start. With his professional dance partner, Dianne Buswell, McCausland regularly topped the public vote, if not the judge's scoreboard, in a season seen as incredibly competitive.

McCausland lost his sight completely in his early 20s due to retinitis pigmentosa, a hereditary eye disease that causes gradual degeneration of the retina. He spoke of the challenges of competing while unable to see himself in the mirror in rehearsals, or watch playbacks of his performances.