Comic McCausland wins Strictly Come Dancing

Chris McCausland and his professional partner Dianne Buswell were crowned the winners of Strictly Come Dancing's 2024 series yesterday.

- ELLIE MUIR

The comedian, best known for appearing on Have I Got News For You and his titular ITV programme The Chris McCausland Show, has made Strictly history as the first blind contestant to win - and take part in the competition.

McCausland and Buswell competed against Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola, Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec, as well as JB Gill and his pro partner Lauren Oakley in a tear-jerking grand final, which aired on Saturday night.

The stand-up comedian, 47, danced three routines during the live final: a couple’s choice to “Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)” by John Lennon, a show dance to “You Get What You Give” by New Radicals and a waltz to “You’ll Never Walk Alone” by Gerry and the Pacemakers.

Once his win was announced by hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, McCausland broke down in tears and hugged his partner, Buswell, who also grew emotional.

Speaking to Daly, McCausland admitted he thought he would have been the first person eliminated from the competition because he didn’t think he could dance.

“We’ve lasted and lasted and Dianne has got so much out of me. She deserves this so much. Every day she’s just positivity and belief and she’s just one of the easiest people to be funny with than I’ve ever met.”

He then joked: “Unless she changes her number, she’s stuck with me.”

McCausland and Buswell competed against Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola, Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec, as well as JB Gill and his pro partner Lauren Oakley in a tear-jerking grand final, which aired on Saturday night.