Comedian Chris McCausland and professional dancer Dianne Buswell have been crowned champions of Strictly Come Dancing 2024 in a tear-jerking finale on BBC One. McCausland, the first blind contestant to win the competition, triumphed over JLS singer JB Gill, actress Sarah Hadland, and former Love Island star Tasha Ghouri to lift the glitterball trophy.
The 47-year-old comedian’s journey captivated audiences throughout the season, culminating in a night of stunning performances and heartfelt moments. His victory was hailed as an inspiring achievement, with McCausland dedicating the win to his dance partner, Buswell, and to “everyone who’s ever been told they couldn’t do something or thought they couldn’t do it.”
Table of Contents
An Emotional Night of Dancing
In the grand finale, each couple performed three routines: a judge’s pick, a show dance, and their personal favorite dance from the series. McCausland and Buswell delivered standout performances, including a waltz to You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and the Pacemakers and their couple’s choice routine to John Lennon’s Instant Karma. The latter featured a poignant “blackout moment” that simulated McCausland’s experience with blindness, earning them widespread acclaim and a score of 38 from the judges.
The emotional weight of McCausland’s dances moved judges and audiences alike. Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse were brought to tears during his performances, with Mabuse admitting, “Chris, I am a mess because of you.”
The final also saw McCausland overcome personal challenges, as his parents were unable to attend due to illness. Despite this, he dedicated his performance to them and drew strength from the support of his dance partner and fans.
Tough Competition
The competition was fierce, with Gill and his partner Lauren Oakley topping the leaderboard with 119 points alongside Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec. Gill impressed with routines like a Motown medley show dance and a Viennese waltz to Let’s Go Fly a Kite, earning the first perfect scores of the night. Ghouri, the show’s second deaf contestant, delivered an elegant American Smooth to Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi and a lively show dance to Sing, Sing, Sing.
Hadland and Vito Coppola also delivered strong performances, including an American Smooth and a Cha Cha to Madonna’s Like A Prayer. Despite scoring 118 points and overcoming a wardrobe malfunction, they narrowly missed the top spot.
However, it was McCausland and Buswell who captured the public’s hearts, winning the viewer vote to secure their victory.
A Season to Remember
The 2024 season of Strictly Come Dancing celebrated its 20th anniversary with several memorable moments. Highlights included Bollywood music gracing the ballroom for the first time, a dazzling group number featuring Worth It singer Raye, and the entire 2024 cast returning for a final routine.
This year also introduced enhanced duty of care measures following controversies from past seasons, demonstrating the BBC’s commitment to supporting contestants and professional dancers alike.
McCausland’s victory marks a significant milestone in Strictly history, showcasing the power of determination and breaking barriers on the dance floor. “With opportunity, support, and determination, anything is possible,” McCausland said in his heartfelt winner’s speech.
A passionate content creator specializing in viral trends, fashion, beauty, and news. With a keen eye for the latest in style and pop culture, Dilshan Senarath delivers fresh, engaging insights that keep audiences informed and inspired. Expertise in curating viral stories with style and impact.
