Strictly Come Dancing Chris McCausland has reflected on his “emotional” win and says he will “never be a part of anything like this again”.
The blind comedian, 47, who lifted the Glitterball with partner Dianne Buswell, was also applauded by a disability charity for bringing representation to primetime television.
Chris has won praise for “breaking barriers” on television after winning the BBC show over the weekend.
Breaking his silence about his incredible win, Chris wrote on X: “Well I probably won’t be a part of something like that again.” Saturday night was emotional and I still haven’t fully recovered.
‘Thank you all so much for appreciating what we were able to do. It has been an incredible experience. Much love to you all #Strictly!’
Disability charity Scope said Chris’ appearance on the show will help “change perceptions” and spark a conversation about disability inclusion.
Strictly Come Dancing Chris McCausland has reflected on his “emotional” win and says he will “never be a part of anything like this again”.
The blind comedian, 47, who lifted the Glitterball with partner Dianne Buswell, was also applauded by a disability charity for bringing representation to prime-time television.
Chris has won praise for “breaking barriers” on television after winning the BBC show over the weekend.
Alison Kerry, head of communications at disability equality charity Scope, said: “It’s fantastic that Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell won the Glitterball trophy.
‘One in four of us in the UK are disabled. Disability representation on television, especially on a flagship BBC programme, is very important.
‘It helps break down barriers, transforms attitudes and gives viewers a greater understanding of the lives, talent and potential of disabled people.
‘Thanks to Chris’s winning performance, perceptions will be challenged and more people will talk about the importance of disability inclusion and accessibility.
‘The impact of Strictly in breaking down barriers cannot be underestimated. It is a very popular and entertaining program. But the media industry still has a long way to go to achieve true disability representation.’
Chris has won the hearts of the nation after his incredible turn on the show and will reportedly raise a whopping £1million after Saturday’s thrilling finale.
The comedian was crowned champion during the live final alongside his partner Dianne after beating fellow finalists Tasha Ghouri, Sarah Hadland.
Chris has already added a whopping 100 additional dates to his Yonks comedy tour and, according to The mirror is in line to feature as a TV presenter and act after he is said to have helped save the glitzy competition following a year of scandals.
Chris has won the hearts of the nation after his incredible turn on the show and will reportedly raise a whopping £1million after Saturday’s thrilling finale.
The much-loved comedian was crowned champion during the live final on Saturday, alongside partner Dianne Buswell, after beating fellow finalists Tasha Ghouri, JB Gill and Sarah Hadland.
Chris has already added a whopping 100 additional dates to his Yonks comedy tour and, according to sources, is scheduled for television appearances and acting gigs.
Public relations expert Mark Borkowski told the publication: “Not only has he danced his way to the bank, he’s taken Strictly there with him, turning a potentially disastrous series into a brilliant, headline-grabbing redemption arc.”
“As a blind comedian, he has exceeded expectations and achieved a victory that seems both innovative and natural, proving that talent and charisma are what truly captivate audiences.”
Before adding: “Strictly just polished his star to primetime gold.”
Meanwhile, public relations expert Mark Borkowski said The mirror: “Chris is Strictly’s unlikely savior after hectic pre-season”.
“His authenticity and humor have given the show a much-needed injection of credibility and warmth, reminding everyone why they fell in love with the format in the first place.”
Before adding: “Strictly just polished his star to primetime gold.”
Meanwhile, Chris and his “down-to-earth humour” are said to be set for a big BBC show in a bid to boost the broadcasters’ comedy output.
Not only did he make history during his time on Strictly as the show’s first blind contestant, he also impressed bosses with his cheeky wit.
Chris and his “down-to-earth humour” are also reportedly set for a big BBC show in a bid to boost the broadcasters’ comedy output.
Not only did Chris make history during his time on Strictly as the show’s first blind contestant, he also impressed bosses with his cheeky wit which is said to have helped save the glitzy competition after a year of scandals.
A dark cloud has been hanging over the show since January, when 2023 contestant Amanda Abbington first came forward with her complaints about her professional partner Giovanni Pernice.
The show was then hit by a fresh wave of scandal when Graziano Di Prima was sacked in July for ‘kicking’ his partner, Love Island star Zara McDermott.
A source said the sun: “What he did by keeping everyone in suspense over the course of Strictly was show that he was not only funny, but he showed that he had a traditional sense of humor that can connect with ordinary viewers at home.”
“This is something critics have said is missing from many Beeb comedy series, and Chris could breathe new life into a genre that was once a mainstay of the corporation.”
Before adding that Chris’ talents could also be used for a more general drag show and that bosses are also planning to reunite him with his professional partner Dianne to recapture their “sensational chemistry”.
MailOnline has contacted the BBC for comment.
When the winner was announced during the final, Chris burst into tears as his fellow celebrities hugged him before triumphantly throwing Dianne over his shoulder as the crowd went wild.
When asked by presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman how they felt at the time, Chris replied: “It’s amazing, I don’t know what to say.” I honestly thought I was going to come out in the first week or two and I know no one came out in the first week, but I still thought I could.
“We’ve lasted and lasted and (Dianne) has brought so much out of me and she deserves (the trophy) so much,” as she continued to gush about her “positivity” and “belief.”
He then joked: “Unless he changes his number, he’s staying with me.” This is for (Dianne) and everyone, it just goes to show that with opportunity and support anything is possible!’
Chris earned his first perfect score of 40 points for a waltz to You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and the Pacemakers, which was his final dance of the series and left the judges and viewers in tears.
Her second routine was a mix of dance styles from New Radicals’ You Get What You Give and she recreated her viral “blackout” moment for the first dance.
Chris and Dianne also danced to their chosen tune: Instant Karma! (We All Shine) by John Lennon.
With a dark cloud hanging over him since January, when 2023 contestant Amanda Abbington first came forward with her complaints about her professional partner Giovanni Pernice, Chris has brought much joy to viewers of the beleaguered show.
The show was then hit by 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 of Amanda’s 16 allegations when the BBC investigation concluded in September, but remained absent for the current edition of the series.