Comedian Chris McCausland has made history by being the inaugural blind contestant to triumph on Strictly Come Dancing.
The 47-year-old, who secured the glitterball trophy alongside dance partner Dianne Buswell on Saturday night, expressed that “anything is possible” with dedication and assistance.
The duo outperformed Miranda actress Sarah Hadland, Love Island participant Tasha Ghouri, and JLS vocalist JB Gill.
Reflecting on his victory, McCausland stated: “This is dedicated to [Dianne] and to all those out there who have been told they cannot achieve something.”
“It merely illustrates that with support, opportunity, and perseverance, anything can occur.”
He extended his gratitude to Buswell, remarking: “She truly merits this. She is genuinely one of the easiest individuals to joke around with – and unless she alters her number, she’s stuck with me.”
McCausland, who hails from Liverpool and is registered blind, completely lost his vision by the age of 22 due to retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic eye condition characterized by progressive retinal degeneration.
Describing his achievement as “remarkable,” he admitted: “I honestly believed I could exit in the first week or two; I recognize that no one was eliminated in the first week, but I still thought it could happen.”
Actress Rose Ayling-Ellis was the first deaf contestant to win the competition in 2021.
Pic: PA
Disability advocacy organizations Sense and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) commended McCausland’s victory, recognizing its significance in elevating the visibility of individuals living with disabilities.
Steven Morris, a deafblind individual and campaigns officer for Sense, stated that the win demonstrates that people “can dismantle barriers that many mistakenly consider insurmountable,” and he anticipates it will “result in greater inclusion of disabled individuals in major television productions.”
Debbie Miller, RNIB’s director of customer relations and support, noted that both McCausland and the second deaf contestant Ghouri “have made a profound positive influence,” triggering “numerous constructive discussions” and underscoring “the necessity of diversity.”
Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice secured the Strictly glitterball in 2021. File pic: PA
Kerry Bevan, who leads skills, information, and support initiatives at the sight-loss organization Guide Dogs UK, described it as a “personal victory, but also a pivotal moment for everyone in the visually impaired community.”
Alison Kerry, director of communications at the disability equality charity Scope, emphasized that the “impact of Strictly in dismantling barriers cannot be overstated.”
She further stated: “Due to Chris’s winning display, perceptions will be challenged, and more individuals will engage in discussions regarding the significance of disability inclusion and accessibility.”
Pic: PA
This marks the first victory for Buswell, who had previously reached the finals on two occasions.
‘Moments of blackout’ and a flawless score
Following months of dancing, McCausland received accolades for his three performances – which consisted of the couple’s beloved dance, their concluding show performance, and the routine that received the highest praise from the judges.
McCausland achieved his first perfect score of 40 points for a waltz routine set to You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and the Pacemakers during his final dance of the series.
His second performance showcased various dance styles to You Get What You Give by New Radicals, and he also reenacted his viral “blackout moment” from the inaugural dance.
In the couple’s choice routine to Instant Karma! (We All Shine On) by John Lennon, McCausland placed his hands over Buswell’s eyes as the venue dimmed, before the ballroom was completely enveloped in darkness and subsequently illuminated as pyrotechnics erupted in the background.
It has been a challenging year for Strictly, subsequent to an investigation into accusations of abusive conduct which resulted in reinforced measures aimed at “enhancing welfare and support” within the program.
A favorite on panel shows, McCausland frequently appears on comedy quiz programs including Have I Got News For You, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, and QI.
Additionally, he has hosted his own eponymous show on ITV1 on Saturday mornings and has acted in EastEnders, Not Going Out, and the CBeebies program Me Too!
