Comedian Chris McCausland has become the first blind contestant to win Strictly Come Dancing.
The 47-year-old, who lifted the glitterball trophy with dance partner Dianne Buswell on Saturday night, said “anything can happen” with support and determination.
They beat Miranda actress Sarah Hadland, Love Island star Tasha Ghouri and JLS singer JB Gill.
Speaking after his win, McCausland said: “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 and determination, anything can happen.”
He thanked Buswell, saying: “She deserves this so much. She’s just honestly one of the easiest people to be funny with – and unless she changes her number, she’s stuck with me.”
Liverpool-born McCausland – who is registered blind – lost his sight completely by the age of 22 due to retinitis pigmentosa – a hereditary eye disease which causes gradual degeneration of the retina.
Calling his triumph “astonishing,” he said: “I honestly thought I could go out in the first week or two, and I know no one went out in the first week, but I still thought I could”.
Actress Rose Ayling-Ellis became the first deaf contestant to win the show in 2021.
Disability charity Sense and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) praised McCausland’s success, and for raising the profiles of people living with disabilities.
Steven Morris, who is deafblind and the campaigns officer for the disability charity Sense, said the win shows people “can break down barriers many wrongly don’t think are possible”, and said it would “lead to many more disabled people being included in the biggest TV shows”.
Debbie Miller, director of customer advice and support at RNIB, said both McCausland and the second deaf contestant Ghouri “left an immeasurable positive impact”, which has “sparked so many positive conversations”, and highlighted “the importance of diversity”.
Kerry Bevan, head of skills, information and support at sight-loss charity Guide Dogs UK, called it a “personal triumph, but also a landmark moment for everyone in the visually impaired community”.
Alison Kerry, head of communications at disability equality charity Scope, said the “impact of Strictly in breaking down barriers can’t be underestimated”.
She also said: “Thanks to Chris’s winning performance, perceptions will be challenged, and more people will be having conversations about the importance of disability inclusion and accessibility.”
It was the first win for Buswell, who has made the final twice before.
‘Blackout moments’ and a perfect score
After months of dancing, McCausland was praised for his three routines – which included the couple’s favourite dance, their final show dance and the routine most enjoyed by the judges.
McCausland was given his first perfect score of 40 points for a waltz routine to You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and the Pacemakers, his final dance of the series.
His second routine featured different dance styles to You Get What You Give by New Radicals, and he also recreated his viral “blackout moment” for the first dance.
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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 room faded to black, before the ballroom went completely dark and then the light came back on – with pyrotechnics flaring in the background.
It’s been a tough year for Strictly, following an investigation into allegations of abusive behaviour and reinforced measures to “strengthen welfare and support” on the show.
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A panel show favourite, McCausland regularly features on comedy quiz shows including Have I Got News For You, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, and QI.
He’s also hosted his own self-titled show on ITV1 on Saturday mornings, and appeared as an actor in EastEnders, Not Going Out, and CBeebies show Me Too!
