Chris McCausland has revealed a painful behind-the-scenes mishap from his time on Strictly Come Dancing,
where he suffered an injury during rehearsals with his professional dance partner, Dianne Buswell.
The comedian, who made history as the show’s first-ever blind contestant and later its 2024 champion,
recently spoke about the physical toll of the competition and the intense emotions surrounding his victory.
A Historic Win for McCausland
McCausland captured the hearts of audiences in December when he took home the Strictly glitterball trophy after delivering a breathtaking final performance.
His waltz to Gerry And The Pacemakers’ classic You’ll Never Walk Alone earned him a perfect score from the judges, solidifying his place as the series winner. He triumphed over a strong lineup of fellow finalists, including Miranda star Sarah Hadland, JLS singer JB Gill, and Love Island alum Tasha Ghouri.
During his time on the show, McCausland’s inspiring journey resonated deeply with viewers. His ability to navigate the demanding routines despite his visual impairment made his victory all the more remarkable.
The Rehearsal Injury That Left Him in Pain
While appearing on The Jonathan Ross Show, McCausland was asked about his worst injury from the competition. He humorously recalled an incident where Buswell attempted a daring move she had come across on TikTok.
“Dianne tried to do this move with me that she’d seen on TikTok. I had to pull her vertical body up straight, and it literally ripped me apart from my left a**e cheek to my right shoulder,” he shared.
The 47-year-old comedian noted that he was surprised more contestants didn’t suffer permanent injuries given the show’s physically demanding nature. “It’s relentless,” he said, emphasizing the intense training schedule that pushes participants to their limits.
Family Support and Emotional Reactions
Despite the grueling rehearsals, McCausland was buoyed by the unwavering support of his wife and daughter, who followed his Strictly journey from home. He shared that his daughter became fully invested in the show, watching each performance eagerly.
His dance partner, Buswell, also experienced strong emotions during their time on the show—particularly during their very first live performance. McCausland recalled that she was incredibly nervous, feeding off his own anxiety about their debut.
“She was so nervous, I think she fed off my anxiety. She was so nervous on the first episode that it wouldn’t work or I’d make a fool of myself or fall over or something. When we did that first move where we danced off, she burst out crying and missed the whole thing,” he revealed.
The Overwhelming Moment of Victory
Winning Strictly Come Dancing was an incredibly emotional experience for both McCausland and Buswell. He described the overwhelming feelings that hit them as soon as the final results were announced.
“It was emotional, Jonathan. It was so emotional,” McCausland admitted. “Me and Dianne were meant to link arms at the end of that and walk off. As we linked arms, she crumpled, and then I crumpled, and the two of us were in bits. It was a lot, you know.”
Their emotional reaction resonated with fans, many of whom took to social media to express their admiration for McCausland’s journey and his historic win.
A Successful Career in Comedy and Television
Long before Strictly, McCausland had built a successful career in comedy. Since stepping into the stand-up scene in 2003, he has entertained audiences with his sharp wit and observational humor. His television appearances include popular panel shows such as Have I Got News For You, Would I Lie to You?, and 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
In addition to his comedy gigs, McCausland has taken on a presenting role, hosting The Chris McCausland Show on ITV1, which airs on Saturday mornings. Now, following his Strictly success, he is set to resume his UK stand-up tour YONKS!, which was temporarily put on hold for the dance competition.
Looking Ahead
With his Strictly Come Dancing triumph behind him, McCausland is returning to his comedy roots, but his time on the show will likely remain one of the most cherished experiences of his career. His journey not only showcased his resilience and determination but also paved the way for greater representation of visually impaired performers in mainstream entertainment.
As he steps back onto the comedy stage, one thing is certain—his Strictly experience, complete with injuries, anxieties, and triumphs, will undoubtedly provide plenty of material for his future stand-up routines.
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