Strictly Come Dancing's Chris McCausland issues emotional statement ahead of final show

Chris McCausland, the first blind contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, has revealed that he and his dance partner Dianne Buswell have "succeeded above and beyond" their expectations on the show. The 47 year old comedian will be competing against fellow finalists Sarah Hadland from Miranda, Love Island's Tasha Ghouri, and JLS singer JB Gill in Saturday's final.

Each star will perform three routines – a couple’s pick, judges’ choice and a show dance – in hopes of winning the glitterball trophy. Ahead of the final, Chris shared: "I feel like we’ve never stayed in the competition above anybody that got higher scores than us, so it feels like we’ve exceeded expectations and got here on our own merits, so we’ve succeeded above and beyond what we expected of ourselves."

Dianne agreed, admitting that reaching the final was "It’s the biggest surprise that we’ve made it all the way to the end. Reaching the final is the cherry on the cake."

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Chris is currently the bookies' favourite to win the 2024 series, which marks the show’s 20th anniversary. Reflecting on his journey, he described it as "unbelievable, surprising and emotional", adding: "The fact that we’ve been able to do it, the fact that we’ve been able to pull this off, the fact we’ve been able to learn the dances and put on a show... It’s all surprising".

Actress Sarah, at 53, opened up about her journey on Strictly, discovering she's "capable of much more" and able to "push" her limits. She's touched by the "amazing" response from women, some moved to tears, seeing her perform at her age alongside younger pro Vito Coppola.

"It’s really weird how it’s happened because I didn’t think of myself like that. Then I realise, I am 53, 20 years older than Vito, and I am doing what he’s doing," she shared. "I hope that my just doing it has inspired people to think they can do it."

TV star Tasha, who is the show's second deaf contestant, described her Strictly experience as the "biggest highlight" of her life, calling the chance to compete in the final with Aljaz Skorjanec both "magical and amazing" and a cherished end to their partnership.

JLS heartthrob JB echoed the sentiment, saying reaching the finale marks a major achievement in his career. Initially teamed with Amy Dowden, he had to pivot to dancing with Lauren Oakley when Amy sustained an injury in early November.

"I don’t get to do too many competitions like this, so being in the final is an incredible achievement," Gill noted, maintaining a humble attitude yet recognising the final's open playing field: "My goal has always been to get through each week but I’ve always said, if you can get to the final, it’s anyone’s to win."

"My mum’s saying is: ‘Someone has to win, so why can’t it be you? ’ It’s all to play for. You have to give 120%."

The final is set to sparkle with the professionals teaming up with singer-songwriter Raye for an exclusive act, and the 2024 cast coming back for one final dance.

Make sure you don't miss any of the dazzle—tune into the Strictly Come Dancing: The Final, live this Saturday from 6pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer