Strictly Come Dancing winner Chris McCausland hailed as 'inspirational' after 'best final of 20 years'
Strictly Come Dancing's first blind champion, Chris McCausland, has been praised by his fellow stars for inspiring "awe" and delivering the "best" final in the show's 20-year history. Doctor Who's Russell T Davies, former Strictly star Stacey Dooley, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, head judge Shirley Ballas, and pro Amy Dowden were among those congratulating Chris and his dance partner Dianne Buswell on Saturday night.
Disability charities including Sense, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), Guide Dogs UK and Scope have all commended the Liverpool comedian for raising awareness of people living with disabilities. On Instagram, Davies described it as "the most amazing television", while Tess and Shirley expressed their "awe".
Tess, who has co-hosted the show since its inception in 2004, also confessed her love for the dancing pair. "We could not do this show without you being along for the ride. In my humble opinion that was the greatest final we have done in 20 years of the show. Thank you so much for being a part of it," she added.
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Shirley penned: "I’m in awe of you. You are two truly extraordinary human beings and I am so very grateful to have crossed paths with both of you. Judging you each week has been a privilege."
Amy Dowden, who sadly had to exit this year's competition early due to injury, leaving Lauren Oakley to step in as JLS star JB Gill’s partner, didn't hold back the love for her "bestie" and "talented friend" Dianne following the Australian’s first win. "(She) is so loyal, caring everything a girl needs," Amy gushed. "Every few days would always check in, always stayed true to herself. Gosh you did such an incredible and inspiring job! @chrismccauslandcomedy in utter awe of you! Congratulations champs!"
Former Strictly contestant and 5 News presenter Dan Walker wrote on Instagram that they were “deserving” of the win, and said: “She (Dianne) has guided him brilliantly and he’s been amazing from week one. He has been wonderful to watch and has managed to maintain his mild anarchy and sense of bewilderment throughout the whole thing. Long may he reign.”
DIY SOS star Nick Knowles, who went out early this year as a contestant on Strictly, wrote on X: “Congrats to my wonderful, kind, determined and lovely friend @chrismccausland and the extraordinary, lovely, talented @dbuzz6589 on their well deserved victory.”
