Strictly Come Dancing’s first blind winner Chris McCausland has been hailed as inspiring “awe” as well as delivering the “best” final of the show in its 20-year history by his fellow stars.
Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies, TV presenter Stacey Dooley, and the BBC One show’s co-presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, head judge Shirley Ballas, and Welsh dancer Amy Dowden were among those congratulating McCausland and his dancer partner Dianne Buswell on Saturday night.
Disability charities Sense, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), Guide Dogs UK and Scope have all praised Liverpool comedian McCausland for raising the profile of people who are living with disabilities.
On Instagram, Davies wrote that it was “the most amazing television”, while Daly and Ballas said they were in “awe”.
Daly, who has co-fronted the show since it began in 2004, also wrote that she was “in love with” the dancing duo.
“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.
Ballas wrote: “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.”
Dowden, who had to leave the competition early due to an injury and was replaced by Lauren Oakley as JLS star JB Gill’s dance partner, called Buswell her “bestie” and “talented friend” following the Australian’s first win.
“(She) is so loyal, caring everything a girl needs,” Welsh dancer Dowden added.
“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.”
