Strictly Come Dancing: Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell win Glitterball Trophy in tear-jerking finale
The comedian took home the glitterball trophy after reducing all the judges to tears with his emotional final performances
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Your support makes all the difference.Strictly Come Dancing 2024 has been won by Chris McCausland and his partner Dianne Buswell.
The pair were vying against Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola, Tasha Ghouri dancing with Aljaž Škorjanec and JB Gill and his pro partner Lauren Oakley in Saturday night’s tear-jerking grand final (14 December).
McCausland was a firm favourite to win, and is now the first blind contestant to become a Strictly champion.
The comedian’s first two dances of the night – a couple’s choice to “Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)” by John Lennon and a show dance to “You Get What You Give” by New Radicals – had an emotional impact, as judges Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas were left in tears.
And his third caused even more sobbing. McCausland and Buswell were both in tears at the end of their routine — a performance of their Waltz to “You Never Walk Alone” by Gerry and the Pacemakers. Buswell’s parents in the audience were also crying, along with the panel and seemingly everyone in the Clauditorium.
Prior to the live final, McCausland is reported to have faced a last-minute change of plan as his parents couldn’t travel to Hertfordshire to support him due to illness.
His mother Valerie had caught the flu, and was unable to travel from their home in Liverpool to the Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, where the live final took place. McCausland’s father, John, told The Daily Mail he would be remaining at home to look after her.
Reflecting on his win on Saturday night, McCausland admitted he had predicted he would have been the first person eliminated from the competition because he didn’t think he could dance.
“It shows that with opportunity, support and determination, that anything can happen,” he said.
The comedian then dedicated his victory to anybody who “got told or thought that they couldn’t do something”.
Tasha’s last dance
Tasha and Aljaz’s Couple’s Favourite is one of two American Smooths tonight.
They scored 40 for theirs (set to Lewis Capaldi’s “Someone You Loved”) first time around, so the judges will be looking for total perfection again. And I think they’ve delivered.
Tasha has thrived with all dance styles but this slightly lyrical take on the American Smooth really suits her. What a lovely routine to finsh her Strictly journey.
JB’s ‘Merry Christmas'
Can I just backtrack to the end of JB’s dance? As he and Lauren spoke to Claudia, JB delivered his classic line from when JLS were on The X Factor.
Yes, he said: “Merry Christmas.” Flawless.
For anyone who is unfamiliar with the meme, here’s the original video:
Tasha’s scores are in...
And she’s finishing Strictly with a very well deserved 40.
Tissues at the ready
For their Couple’s Favourite, Chris and Dianne are performing their Waltz to “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.
This is one of my favourite dances of the series and I’m delighted that we’re getting to see it again. The duo scored an admirable 35 when they danced it for the first time in week five and I’m pretty confident they’ll score even higher this time around. And that I will cry. Again.
Chris’s final Waltz leaves everyone in tears
Yep, I’m in tears. That was perfect.
Dianne was in tears as they finished the steps, as was Chris. And Motsi and Shirley. You know what, there’s not a dry tear in the studio, to be honest.
“I’m so glad I’m not the only one crying now,” Motsi joked. “Look at us all. Thank you, thank, thank you so much for that. You said in your VT, you’re a role model for the blind community. But I think at this point, you’re a role model for us all.”
“You’ll certainly never walk alone,” Shirley said. She then invited Dianne over for a cuddle. “From one teacher to an amazing teacher, congratulations.” Oh, and on the cry count: Dianne’s parents are sobbing too.
I think Craig is the only person who isn’t in tears. Is he made of stone? He had nothing but praise fror Chris though, and he’s even written a Christmas card he’s reading out.
He said: “In a world of darkness, you’ve learned to dance and slay, with every step you’ve found your way.
“You’ve taught the world anything can be done, as long as you don’t stick out your bum.
“A heart that dances pure and free, is worth much more than a 10 from me.’
Chris’s scores are in...
And it’s a 40! What a wondereful moment. Cue even more tears.
Sarah closes the show with a Cha Cha Cha
Oh I loved this dance. Sarah and Vito’s Couples’ Favourite is their Icons Week Cha Cha Cha to Madonna’s “Like A Prayer”, which scored 37 when they first performed it.
And second time around, it’s even more brilliant. Sarah’s confidence has grown so much and it’s been a joy to see. What a phenomenal last dance.
‘Best final ever’
“This has been the best final ever,” Anton said, as he gave Sarah her feedback. And yet again, I have to agree with him.
He continued: “You’ve blown me away week after week. Thank you, for you. You, I love.”
“One thing you should know, you kicked that routine up the bottom,” Craig said. “Really marvelous.”
Motsi said: “This feels like the most unforgettable final we’ve had, in my six years here. “
Sarah’s scores are in...
And it’s a 40! Sarah promptly fell to the floor and shrieked after Craig’s 10, which was a truly wonderful reaction.
Final chance to cast your vote
The BBC haven’t said when the lines will close, but it is “soon” as Ruth Jones (in character as Nessa) just explained.
And while the final few votes are cast, we’re being treated to a sneak peek at the Christmas episode of Gavin & Stacey which will (genuinely) be the last ever one.
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