BBC Strictly's first blind contestant Chris McCausland has fans in tears with 'extraordinary' routine
Strictly Come Dancing has finally returned to our screens and Chris McCausland had fans in tears with his 'extraordinary' first routine with professional partner Dianne Buswell
by Jess Phillips · ChronicleLiveStrictly Come Dancing's first-ever blind contestant, comedian Chris McCausland, left fans in awe and judge Shirley Ballas on the brink of tears with his stunning performance.
Chris, alongside his professional dance partner Dianne Buswell, performed an impressive cha cha to The Beatles' classic 'Twist and Shout'. The routine featured intricate legwork, including a daring move where Chris swung Dianne between his legs while twistinga step that even seasoned pro Anton Du Beke admitted he steers clear of.
Viewers were so moved by Chris's performance that they took to social media to express their admiration. One fan posted: "Chris McCausland on Strictly tonight - one of the most amazing dances ever! How a blind person can do what he did was unbelievable! ".
Another shared their enthusiasm: "So glad I saw Chris McCausland's stand up before he was on Strictly because he's going to blow up now."
Meanwhile, another supporter commented: "Chris and Dianne! ! What a team so so proud of my team. The way Dianne's taught Chris all of this and really played to his strengths is soooo beautiful! ! What a special bond they have! ! I am so so excited to see what more they bring every week.", reports the Mirror.
Judge Shirley Ballas was visibly touched by the performance, saying: "When I saw the street lights at the beginning, I really didn't know what to expect. You had lifts just to take her between your legs, you have to time that, it's hard enough as it is! You had great skills when it came to listening to your partner."
"Technique... it's week one. Everybody has to get a little bit stronger in the technique. But that was, for me, actually I'm quite shocked and very emotional. Fabulous."
Anton Du Beke shared: "It's one of the most extraordinary things I've ever seen in my entire life. That thing at the end where you twirl her around under your legs, I've tried that I don't want to go anywhere near that step! Just brilliant."
Strictly Come Dancing is back with a bang for its 2024 series following an electrifying launch show. The first week showcases the freshly paired celebrities and their professional dance partners as they vie for early positions on the leaderboard with their debut performances.
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Whilst the judges will proffer critiques and scores will be given out, no celebrity faces elimination in this initial week. It's in week two that eliminations commence and the competition intensifies as the first celebrity departs the dance floor permanently.
The viewer participation kicks up a notch in week two, when the voting lines open on Saturday (September 28), setting the stage for the season's inaugural elimination airing on Sunday (September 29). The excitement unfolds at 7pm tonight on BBC One, with no results show slated for this weekend.
Favourites emerging in the betting odds are X Factor's Shayne Ward and JLS heartthrob JB Gill. However, former professional dancer Erin Boag gives a heads-up to watch out for Miranda's Sarah Hadland as a dark horse contender.
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