Comedian Chris McCausland, who recently made history as the first blind contestant to clinch the Strictly Come Dancing title, has shared insights into his groundbreaking victory. McCausland, 47, and his dance partner Dianne Buswell were declared champions on Saturday night, triumphing in the BBC show’s 20th anniversary year. Their journey to victory involved showcasing their talent amidst a star-studded line-up, including contestants like Miranda’s Sarah Hadland, Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri, and JLS’s JB Gill. Overwhelmed by the win, McCausland dedicated it to Buswell and everyone who has been told they couldn’t achieve something, emphasizing that “with opportunity, support, and determination, anything can happen.”
Originally from Liverpool, McCausland lost his sight entirely by the age of 22 due to retinitis pigmentosa. Reflecting on his unexpected win, he confessed to initial doubts about his longevity on the show, stating, “I honestly thought I could go out in the first week or two.” However, his victory has raised awareness among disability charities like Sense and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), who lauded his achievement for promoting inclusivity and setting a positive example for others with disabilities. Sense campaigns officer Steven Morris praised McCausland’s ability to break down barriers and anticipated increased diversity in mainstream television shows. RNIB’s director Debbie Miller and Guide Dogs UK’s Kerry Bevan also commended the impact of McCausland’s win on the visually impaired community.
Moreover, disability equality charity Scope’s head of communications, Alison Kerry, highlighted the significance of McCausland’s performance in challenging perceptions and fostering discussions on disability inclusion and accessibility. McCausland’s victory is reminiscent of actress Rose Ayling-Ellis’s triumph as the first deaf contestant in 2021, underscoring the show’s commitment to inclusivity. For Buswell, this marked her first win after previously reaching the final with Joe Sugg in 2018 and Bobby Brazier in 2023. Expressing her joy and gratitude for their shared success, Buswell emphasised the collaborative effort, stating, “This is for both of us, not just me, we worked together and we did it.”
Following months of rigorous rehearsals, McCausland and Buswell garnered praise for their trio of dances, which included a show-stopping performance in their closing show dance and the judges’ favourite routine. The couple’s final Waltz to ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ and their freestyle routine to ‘Instant Karma!’ captivated audiences and judges alike. Notably, Craig Revel Horwood and Shirley Ballas were moved by their performances, with Horwood describing McCausland as a “light that shines for all to see,” and Ballas commending Buswell as an “amazing teacher.” Motsi Mabuse acknowledged McCausland’s broader impact, portraying him not only as an inspiration to the blind community but as a role model for all.
While the Strictly finale marked a celebratory moment for McCausland and Buswell, the season was not without its controversies. Allegations from the 2023 contestant Amanda Abbington against dancer Giovanni Pernice raised concerns about a purported “toxic environment” and bullying. Pernice strongly denied any claims of abusive behaviour, although a BBC investigation partially supported some of Abbington’s accusations. Consequently, the show introduced additional welfare measures, such as chaperones during rehearsals, to uphold a safe and respectful environment for all participants. McCausland’s historic win will undoubtedly be remembered as a significant milestone in Strictly Come Dancing history, showcasing the power of determination, talent, and inclusivity on a prominent platform.