Strictly Come Dancing winner Chris McCausland celebrated into the early hours of Sunday morning as he clutched his Glitterball Trophy as he left the after-show party.
The comedian and his professional partner Dianne Buswell were crowned 2024 champions after he made history as the show’s first blind contestant.
Chris, 47, beat fellow finalists Tasha Ghouri, JB Gill and Sarah Hadland to the spot in the ‘greatest of all time’ final on Saturday, and his cheeky wit and inspiring story helped save the show afterwards from a year of scandals.
Chris looked in high spirits as he left the after-party alongside former show pro Janette Manrara and her husband Aljaž Škorjanec, who was paired with finalist Tasha on the show.
She looked casual in a beige jumper and dark pants after changing out of her dance clothes, while Janette showed off her toned legs in a blue dress.
In the final, which was the highest score ever, all the couples performed three dances each for the judges before hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced Chris as the winner of the much-sought Glitterball trophy.
Strictly Come Dancing winner Chris McCausland celebrated into the early hours of Sunday morning as he clutched his Glitterball Trophy as he left the show’s after-party.
The comedian and his professional partner Dianne Buswell were crowned 2024 champions after he made history as the show’s first blind contestant.
Chris, 47, beat fellow finalists Tasha Ghouri, JB Gill and Sarah Hadland to the spot in the ‘greatest of all time’ final on Saturday, and his cheeky wit and inspiring story helped save the show afterwards from a year of scandals.
The comedian burst into tears as he was hugged by his fellow celebrities before triumphantly throwing Dianne over his shoulder as the crowd went wild.
When asked how Tess and Claudia felt at the time, Chris said: “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.
Speaking earlier on the show, Chris said: “I hope (me being on Strictly) makes a difference to people’s attitudes towards blind and disabled people.”
Chris looked in high spirits as he left the after-party alongside former show pro Janette Manrara, who is married to Aljaž Škorjanec, who was paired with finalist Tasha on the show.
He looked very festive as he headed home after Saturday night’s epic win.
The comedian burst into tears as he was hugged by his fellow celebrities before triumphantly throwing Dianne over his shoulder as the crowd went wild.
‘When I started this my daughter was very nervous, she’s eleven, and I think she fed off my fears and worries, but she enjoys watching me and is very proud.
‘I’ve learned that I’m 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 successful.
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.
Following his abrupt departure from the show, Giovanni appeared on the Italian version of Strictly.
Although bosses found Giovanni to be neither threatening nor physically abusive, he did confirm some of Amanda’s complaints about bullying and verbal harassment.
The BBC also agreed with Amanda that at times it seemed to be giving her overly negative feedback.
When asked how Tess and Claudia felt at the time, Chris said: “It’s amazing, I don’t know what to say.” I honestly thought it was going to come out in the first week.’