The popular dance competition Strictly Come Dancing has officially crowned its 2024 champion, yet the outcome has ignited passionate debate among fans. Chris McCausland and his partner Dianne Buswell emerged victorious after 12 weeks of intense competition, winning the glitterball trophy with stirring performances, but many viewers argue another couple deserved the title.
McCausland, who made history as the first visually-impaired contestant on the show, showcased his talent through heartfelt routines, particularly his emotive waltz to Liverpool's legendary anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone" and their couple's choice dance set to John Lennon’s "Instant Karma." His performances even brought judge Shirley Ballas to tears, reflecting the depth of emotion conveyed on the dance floor.
Despite the joyous celebrations and heartfelt thank yous exchanged between the couples, social media quickly erupted with sentiments of disappointment. A viewer shared their distress, stating, "Such a shame people vote for their favourite celebrity, not the best dancer. It's been clear from day one who would win, simply based on who they are, not how they dance," as reported by the Daily Star.
Another echoed this frustration, remarking, "Was there any point watching #Strictly final? I mean it was a guarantee Chris was going to win the glitterball no matter if someone is on the night; tbh feel bit sorry for the rest of the celebs for even trying." Many viewers expressed concern over the influence of celebrity status on the voting process rather than pure dancing ability.
Alongside Chris and Dianne, other finalists like JB Gill and Lauren Oakley, Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola, and Tasha Ghouri paired with Aljaz Skorjanec brought their own tremendous flair to the competition. Yet many fans believed Tasha, who delivered technically brilliant dances, would have been more deserving of the top spot.
One fan observed, "Tasha was amazing but Chris was not the strongest dancer." While one viewer noted, "Chris is the weakest of the 4 finalists. But he is the most deserving winner," reflecting the mixed feelings around McCausland's triumph.
This year’s final led to additional discussions around the format of the competition itself, particularly the inclusion of Couple's Choice routines as part of the finalists’ performances. Traditionally, the couples select their own routines throughout the season. Still, for the finals, these were chosen by the judges, creating what some believe was an uneven playing field.
Fans pointed out the potential inequity with two couples performing couple's choice dances when others had different, possibly more challenging routines. One viewer took to social media, stating, "Should we be allowing couples to do their couple’s choice again in the final? Doesn’t seem fair if they aren’t all doing them." The reservations around this format intensify when considering the stakes of the final round.
This year's competition didn't just see Chris blossom under Dianne's expert guidance; it stirred deep connection and emotional resonance among audiences. Many identified him as the 'dark horse' of the competition, succeeding against the odds and inspiring many with his determination and spirit.
Yet, the sentiment remains divided. Commentators and fans alike are left pondering whether the right couple truly won the prestigious title or if voting preferences inadvertently overshadowed dancing talent. "Tasha and Sarah should have won, they were much more sleek on the dance floor. But Chris is still a worthy winner," remarked another online user, capturing the essence of the debate.
Despite the swirling controversy, Chris McCausland's unique presence and commitment have undoubtedly left their mark on Strictly Come Dancing. His ability to captivate viewers and judges alike proves the heart of the competition runs deep beyond technical prowess.
Fans can still catch all the highlights and performances from this season of Strictly Come Dancing available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, adding to the rich legacy of the dance show.
