Strictly Come Dancing’s Chris McCausland and his pro partner Dianne Buswell have been crowned 2024’s champions after the comedian made history as the show’s first ever blind contestant.
Chris, 47, pipped fellow finalists Tasha Ghouri, JB Gill and Sarah Hadland to the post in the ‘best ever’ final on Saturday, with his cheeky wit and inspiring story helping to save the show following a year of scandals.
The final, which was the highest-scoring ever, saw all the couples each perform three dances for the judges before hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced Chris as the winner of the much sought after Glitterball trophy.
The funnyman broke down in tears as he was embraced by his fellow celebs before throwing Dianne triumphantly over his shoulder while the audience went wild.
Asked how the moment felt by Tess and Claudia, Chris said: ‘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’.
He then joked: ‘Unless she changes her number she’s stuck with me. This is for [Dianne] and everyone out there, it just shows that with the opportunity and support anything is possible!’.
Chris gained 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.
His second routine was a medley of dance styles to You Get What You Give by New Radicals and he recreated his viral “blackout” moment for the first dance.
Chris and Dianne also danced to their own choice of tune – Instant Karma! (We All Shine On) by John Lennon.
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 contestant Amanda Abbington first came forward with her complaints about pro partner Giovanni Pernice, Chris has brought the embattled show’s viewers bundles of joy.
Judge’s Choice
Showdance
Favourite Routine
Total Scores
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.’
Following Chris’ speculator win, Steven Morris from disability charity Sense: ‘Chris’s historic Strictly Come Dancing win goes to show that given opportunities and support, disabled people can break down barriers many wrongly don’t think are possible.
Kerry Bevan of Guide Dogs UK agreed: ‘Chris and Dianne are worthy winners and it’s even more poignant that this milestone occurred during Strictly’s 20th anniversary series. Dianne has been a shining example of how we can all take steps to make the world a more inclusive and accessible place’.
The action packed show saw the judges hand out numerous tens and each celeb were left emotional as she they described how much they’d 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.
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.
Meanwhile Nick Knowles, 62, took to his Instagram to explain his absence from the Strictly final and filmed himself watching the live show from the comfort of his fiancée Katie Dadzie’s home in Berkshire.
The DIY SOS star revealed he wasn’t appearing on the show or in the group dance after having a knee operation two days ago – an injury he sustained while competing in the competition.
The presenter told his followers: ‘Hello everyone. So it’s Saturday night, and the big final is on TV. I’m watching it, same as you, but from home rather than being in the studio because, unfortunately, I had a big arm operation, and I’ve now also had a big leg operation.
‘As a result, I’m only two days out from surgery, so I can’t be there.
‘But I’m sat here watching the amazing show like you, wishing the best of luck to my buddies – JB, Sarah, Chris, and Tasha – who all deserve to be champions, so I hope they all do great.
‘Thank you for all your lovely well-wishes and for wishing me a speedy recovery. I’m really sorry I can’t be there with all the others too. It’s been the most wonderful experience.
‘Merry Christmas to all of you, happy New Year, and congratulations to whoever wins the final.’
Alongside the clip, he penned: ‘So I can’t be there at the final because I’m only two days out of surgery and it was quite a big operation on my knee – for those that want to know it was a full ACL reconstruction and two meniscus repairs which included harvesting a replacement tendon from my hamstring – and I’m still recovering from the operation to re attach my distal bicep which makes moving on crutches difficult too.
‘I had to have the operation now to be mobile and ready to start filming on @BBCDIYSOS at the beginning of February.
‘Lots of rehab and work with physios to come but I will go at it as hard as I did the dance training and success will be managed in stages.
‘So as I lay on the sofa looking like half a Darth Vader with all the added robot attachments I wish you a happy Christmas and an adventurous and fun new year. See you in 2025.’
Nick wasn’t the only star missing from Saturday’s final, as Paul Merson was also absent from the show.
Former footballer-turned-pundit Paul, 56, who was partnered with Karen Hauer, did not turn up to show as he was unwell.
A Strictly spokeswoman told The Sun: ‘Paul is unwell today unfortunately. He will be very much missed and is sad he couldn’t make it.’
‘First to be able to walk without crutches, climb stairs, walk safely on uneven ground by February and then dance too as I have to be able to do my first dance at my wedding in June and I’m assured if I work hard I will be back to 100% as good as new in about 8 months
‘Best of luck to my buddies competing tonight and those who are back together in studio. I loved the dancing and the cameraderie – the injuries not so much.
‘Merry Xmas to you all and thank you for your wonderful messages wishing me to get well soon.
‘I’ve got some great work coming this year with more amazing DIY SOS shows – two of which we have filmed already and so many wonderful families to introduce you to – there’s two amazing travel shows through Mongolia coming soon too which is epic and beautiful and full of amazing people.