Chris McCausland has been announced as the winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2024, making history as the show’s first blind contestant to lift the coveted Glitterball Trophy. The emotional grand finale, which aired on Saturday, featured McCausland and partner Dianne Buswell competing against fellow finalists JB Gill, Sarah Hadland, and Tasha Ghouri. After weeks of intense training and dazzling performances, McCausland’s triumph marked not just personal achievement, but also represented significant progress for disabled representation on television.
The spectacular evening unfolded with three routines from each couple. McCausland, 47, was the bookmakers' favorite heading toward the finale, performing his beloved waltz to You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and the Pacemakers, and their vibrant show dance to Instant Karma by John Lennon. His performances were praised by the judges and captivated audiences nationwide.
When his name was announced as the winner, McCausland was visibly moved. "It's astonishing. I don't know what to say—I honestly thought I could go out the first week or two. I know nobody goes out first, but I thought I could," he shared, emphasizing his gratitude to Buswell, who he described as “positivity and belief.” Together, McCausland and Buswell shared their emotional connection, stating, “This is for her and for everyone who got told they could not do anything. It shows anything can happen, you know?”
His performance struck chords not just for its dancing quality but for its emotional depth. Judge Motsi Mabuse, who was seen wiping away tears, expressed, “Chris is not just an inspiration for the blind community but also for each and every one of us.” Head judge Shirley Ballas similarly championed Buswell for her teaching skills, saying she was “an amazing teacher.” It was evident the chemistry and trust between McCausland and Buswell were palpable, making every twist and turn of their routines feel authentic.
Sentiment surged across social media platforms as fans seized the opportunity to celebrate McCausland's victory. Commenting on X (formerly Twitter), one ecstatic viewer exclaimed, "Finally, the right person won! Brilliant Chris!" Another fan wrote, "I'm so happy for Chris and Dianne; they deserved this after dancing on another level."
The final wasn’t without its challenges. McCausland faced personal hurdles, including his parents’ absence due to illness. His mother Valerie, struck with flu, and father John had to remain at home rather than support their son live, adding another layer of emotion as McCausland dedicated his win to them and others who have been told they can’t succeed.
Competition among finalists was fierce. JB Gill achieved impressive routines with partner Lauren Oakley, showcasing both their show dance and judges’ pick. Tasha Ghouri danced gracefully with Aljaž Škorjanec, incorporating her own experiences as the show's second deaf contestant. Each couple delivered memorable performances to win the audience's favor. Notably, Gill and Ghouri scored the highest points on the judges' leaderboard at 119 each, yet the public vote sealed McCausland’s victory.
Echoing McCausland’s sentiments about opportunity and perseverance, Steven Morris, campaigns officer for disability charity Sense, stated, “Chris’s historic Strictly Come Dancing win goes to show opportunities and support can allow disabled individuals to break down barriers.”
Notably, the 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing involved challenges, with professional dancer Amy Dowden having to pull out mid-competition due to injury, requiring Oakley to step up as Gill's partner. The grand finale highlighted camaraderie and celebration of talent across all contestants, who each shared their journeys throughout the season.
Onstage, McCausland and Buswell found themselves overwhelmed with emotion, as familiar faces from the series returned to support them. The atmosphere was charged with the spirit of triumph, drawing tears from many, including the judging panel.
Viewers and fans declared this year’s final as one of the best, with tremendous performances and heartfelt moments. The radiant enthusiasm of McCausland and Buswell epitomized the joyous essence of the show, inspiring audiences with not only their performances but their personal stories.
Looking back, Motsi Mabuse's reflections on the season encapsulated its magic: “This season has reminded us why Strictly is so special. The courage to step outside your comfort zone has changed lives and inspired millions.” McCausland's victory stands as not just his personal achievement but as a milestone for representation, creativity, and tenacity. The season’s conclusion solidifies the notion: with hard work and determination, anything is possible. While the struggles of previous years loomed, this year’s finale swept those doubts aside, leaving audiences excited for what’s next.
With the Glitterball trophy now resting safely with Chris McCausland, both he and Dianne Buswell basked in the glory of their accomplishments, intending to encourage everyone out there to follow their dreams; they had certainly taken the ballroom by storm and danced their way to victory.