Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly with the Strictly Come Dancing celebrities and professional dancers
(Image: PA)

BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans say 'just give Glitterball now' as 'no one deserves it more'

by · Manchester Evening News

There may still be four weeks to go until Strictly Come Dancing's grand 2024 finale but the Glitterball winner has already been decided by some fans.

The BBC One dance show returned to screens on Saturday night (November 16) and it was bigger and better than ever as the stars relocated to Blackpool for the competition's annual special.

Week nine of the current series was broadcast from the seaside town's legendary Tower Ballroom and Strictly celebrated its 20th year by kicking things off with the professional dancers dancing to the Pet Shop Boys performing a medley of their hits, including It’s A Sin, Suburbia and What Have I Done To Deserve This.

READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing stars hit Blackpool for fish and chips, the illuminations and a game of bingo

Comedian Chris McCausland opened the show, delivering a classical American smooth routine to Canadian-born singer Paul Anka’s Jump with his partner Dianne Buswell.

Head judge Shirley Ballas told black tie-wearing Chris that he had the "best feet I’ve seen in a long time", and "didn’t miss a beat", while Anton Du Beke said "if anyone can beat that tonight, I’d be amazed". They earned 37 points from the judges, as co-host Tess Daly said they were the 100th Strictly couple to perform in Blackpool.

It was also revealed that Chris' mother, father and sister were watching him in the audience and it all became too much as Dianne became emotional as they received their highest score of the series, hopefully taking them one step closer to performing in front of her mum and dad as they prepare for their visit from Australia.

Chris and Dianne opened Strictly's Blackpool special
(Image: PA)

And it was Chris and Dianne who fans think deserve to be lifting the Glitterball trophy - and they think they deserve it now. @Mofoman360 said: "Just give Chris McCausland the glitterball trophy NOW not only is he inspirational he is incredible keep voting for him strictly family #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing Chris and Dianne for the WIN."

@MrStanBrooks echoed: "This honestly made me well up. Honestly, no one deserves a 10, let alone two more than these two. What Dianne has been able to teach Chris is nothing short of incredible! Just give them the glitterball NOW! @dbuzz6589 @chrismccausland #Strictly #SCD."

@ciaraspinkpod shared: "Chris McCausland, take a bow, he was absolutely amazing tonight, he has got to take the glitterball this year surely#Strictly." @minisheldini added: "I LOVE Chris, what he does is exceptional and he’s a bloody lovely person to boot However…Dianne deserves that glitterball in her hands more than anyone.. her teaching and partnering with Chris glitters like gold. #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing."