BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Chris McCausland addresses downside to show win and says 'I'm afraid'

Strictly Come Dancing star Chris McCausland has addressed the downside to winning the show as his dancing journey came to a sudden - but triumphant - end with Dianne Buswell.

The comedian and the Australian professional dancer were crowned the BBC One dance contest's 2024 champions on Saturday night (December 14) following the grand final.

Chris, who was Strictly's first-ever blind contestant, and Dianne were paired together for the 20th-anniversary series of Strictly back in September and after 13 weeks of dancing together, and three months of capturing the nations hearts, the pair were seen lifting the famous Glitterball trophy.

READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Chris McCausland says 'it's got to stop' and speaks out on Dianne Buswell 'split'

It came after the pair fought off stiff competition during the sparkling grand final from Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec, JB Gill and Lauren Oakley and Sarah Hadland and Vito Coopla to take the title for the 22nd series and lift the coveted Glitterball trophy.

After Tess Daly announced them as this year's winners of the BBC One dance contest, Chris said it was "astonishing” to win. He cried and hugged his partner Dianne after the title was announced, with them both appearing to be in disbelief.

Chris has since spoken in his first TV interview. Reflecting on his win, the dad-of-one said on ITV's Lorraine: "It’s been a really emotional Saturday night and I’m still kind of feeling worn down by it. Three and a half months [rehearsing] is relentless, it’s consuming. Physically and mentally, it takes its toll…"He also revealed that he won’t be taking part in the upcoming Strictly live tour as he prepares for his latest comedy tour, Yonks!. It means he'll be split from Dianne much earlier as their dancing journey comes to an end while some of his co-stars continues for a few weeks in the New Year.

"I started the [comedy] tour in January this year and I did the first leg till May and then I was meant to be back out again in September but we moved the dates to accommodate Strictly… " Chris explained. "It just wasn’t really a consideration at the time as I don’t think anyone thought I would be any good at it… I didn't think I would be going off the back of Strictly on tour. I thought I would be going off the back of two months off."

He's also now taken to social media to reiterate why he won't be joining his co-stars on the Strictly Come Dancing Live 2025 our across January and February after being asked about it on social media.

He wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: "I'm afraid I will not be able to do the Strictly tour. My own tour was meant to be on the road in September and a lot of dates were moved to Jan and Feb to accommodate doing #Strictly. It's unfortunate as it's been so much fun, but my own dates can't be moved for a second time."

But his fans were quick to show support as they shared how they'll be seeing him during his stand-up tour. @xMeL84GiLeSx said: "We will miss you on the Strictly Live Tour but I'm coming to see your show too so its all good! xx." @kitoharaa commented: "Booked for one of your shows next year, can’t wait!!" @AlmondProperty wrote: "Looking forward to your tour. Bought our tickets ages ago." @jamiesfcg2 added: "Got tickets for November 2025 for your tour, can't wait."