Strictly Come Dancing exit 'sealed' for Chris McCausland as expert says 'time to go'
Strictly Come Dancing's very own Chris McCausland may be on thin ice as the beloved BBC contest hurtles towards its eighth week.
The 47-year-old comedian has won over hearts during his time on Strictly Come Dancing, making history as the first blind contestant to compete with his partner, Dianne Buswell.
Kicking off his Strictly journey with scores in the 30s, Chris has seen a dip in leaderboard success in recent weeks.
Last Saturday, Chris earned a score of 29 for his performance, resulting in a tie for eighth place with Sam Quek. Both were only slightly ahead of Pete Wicks, who is at the bottom of the board.
However, according to behavioural expert Darren Stanton, who spoke to Betfair Slots, the tide may be turning for Chris and Dianne.
He said: "For Chris and Dianne, I think they have reached the stage in the competition where it's gone beyond judges being able to look past mistakes, with technical ability, rapport and connection the most important.
"Although Chris has done miraculously well throughout the competition, I think this week may be his time to go. He will struggle as the demands become more technical."
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Despite the influence of public votes, any slips might not slide under the radar, Stanton added, suggesting those small errors may no longer escape critique.
He continued: "Although there is a fantastic dynamic between them, which is based on humour, we are now getting to the part of the competition where it's going to take more than what these guys have to get through.
"I think they will be in the dance-off this week, because they're lacking in some technical ability, and don't have the same depth of connection as some of the other couples."
This weekend, Chris and Dianne will be taking to the dance floor for their Couple's Choice to Instant Karma! (We All Shine On) by John Lennon. However, Chris isn't the only one performing their couple's choice this Saturday night.
Reality star Pete Wicks will also be stepping away from the usual routines for a special performance to Nicotine Dolls' song The Best. At present, Pete is at the bottom of the leaderboard with a score of 22.
However, he managed to avoid the dance-off as Montell Douglas and Sam Quek found themselves in the dreaded position. After re-performing their routine, the decision was left to the judges.
In the end, all four judges unanimously decided to keep the Gladiator star in the competition, resulting in Sam's departure.
Speaking to host Tess Daly after her exit, she admitted: "I'm gutted, I just want to say thank you. I've learned so much. Strictly has just brought that spring in my step back. It's just been an absolute joy."
"Nikita, you've been key in helping me find that inner Sam that was there, who went a little bit quiet for maybe one or two years and has just come back. I'm gutted because I do feel like I still have more to give."
Nikita confessed his admiration for his celebrity dance partner, saying: "Sometimes they say it's about the journey, not the destination, but to me it's about the company."
Strictly Come Dancing will return this Saturday on BBC One at 6:35pm.
