Comedian Chris McCausland made history by becoming the first blind contestant to win Strictly Come Dancing. The 47-year-old lifted the glitterball trophy alongside his dance partner, Dianne Buswell, during Saturday night’s finale.
Speaking after the groundbreaking victory, McCausland credited the triumph to support and determination, stating, “This is for [Dianne] and it’s for everyone out there that thought and got told they couldn’t do something. It just shows with opportunity and support, anything can happen.”
The Liverpool-born comedian, who lost his sight completely by the age of 22 due to retinitis pigmentosa, expressed his gratitude to Buswell, calling her a “deserving” winner and a tremendous partner. “She’s just honestly one of the easiest people to be funny with,” McCausland said.
“Unless she changes her number, she’s stuck with me!” The pair’s chemistry and perseverance throughout the competition captured the hearts of fans and judges alike, leading them to victory over finalists Sarah Hadland, Tasha Ghouri, and JB Gill.
Reflecting on his journey, McCausland admitted he never expected to go far in the competition, let alone win. “I honestly thought I could go out in the first week or two,” he confessed. “And I know no one went out in the first week, but I still thought I could.”
His remarkable progress on the show not only showcased his talent but also highlighted the power of resilience, becoming an inspiring story for viewers everywhere.
The triumph was met with widespread praise from disability advocacy organizations. Disability charity Sense and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) commended McCausland for raising awareness about disability inclusion.
Steven Morris of Sense emphasized how the win breaks down barriers many believed insurmountable, adding that it would “lead to more disabled people being included in the biggest TV shows.”
Debbie Miller from RNIB applauded both McCausland and fellow contestant Tasha Ghouri, noting their “immeasurable positive impact” and their role in sparking conversations around diversity.
Guide Dogs UK also celebrated the achievement as a significant moment for the visually impaired community. Kerry Bevan, head of skills at the charity, described McCausland’s victory as “not just a personal triumph, but a landmark moment.”
Meanwhile, Alison Kerry of Scope, a disability equality charity, highlighted how Strictly has challenged societal perceptions. “Thanks to Chris’s winning performance, more people will be having conversations about the importance of disability inclusion and accessibility,” she said.
For Buswell, the win marked her first Strictly trophy after making the finals twice before. She guided McCausland through three stellar routines in the final, including their favorite dance, a dazzling show dance, and a judge-selected performance.
The comedian received his first perfect score of 40 points for a waltz routine to Gerry and the Pacemakers’ You’ll Never Walk Alone. His storytelling and emotional connection left the judges deeply moved, cementing his status as a fan favorite.
The couple’s show dance showcased a mix of styles set to You Get What You Give by New Radicals, while their most memorable routine featured a bold creative choice. Performing to John Lennon’s Instant Karma! (We All Shine On), McCausland reenacted his viral “blackout moment,” where he covered Buswell’s eyes, and the ballroom transitioned into complete darkness before reigniting with pyrotechnics.
The daring performance highlighted McCausland’s creativity and humor, earning resounding applause from the audience.
The victory also comes during a challenging year for Strictly, which faced an investigation into allegations of abusive behavior. Despite the controversy, McCausland’s journey underscored the enduring charm of the show and the importance of its renewed focus on welfare and support for contestants. His triumph offered a heartwarming conclusion to the season, providing a hopeful narrative amid the tumult.
Beyond Strictly, McCausland is a familiar face in British entertainment, regularly appearing on comedy panel shows such as Have I Got News For You, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, and QI.
He also hosted his self-titled show on ITV1 and appeared as an actor in EastEnders, Not Going Out, and the CBeebies series Me Too!. His comedic talent and charisma have earned him a dedicated fan base across various platforms.
McCausland’s victory places him alongside other groundbreaking winners of Strictly, including Rose Ayling-Ellis, who became the first deaf contestant to win the show in 2021. Like Ayling-Ellis, McCausland’s journey represents a significant step forward for representation and inclusivity in mainstream entertainment, inspiring millions along the way.
As the celebrations continue, McCausland’s win will undoubtedly resonate far beyond the ballroom. His story stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, the value of diversity, and the universal appeal of dance.
For fans and advocates alike, McCausland’s victory is a moment to cherish and a powerful reminder that anything is possible with opportunity and support.
