Chris McCausland, the first blind winner of Strictly, shares his inspiring journey and the importance of support and determination in achieving dreams
Liverpool: Chris McCausland just made history as the first blind contestant to win Strictly Come Dancing. He and his partner Dianne Buswell took home the trophy during the show’s 20th anniversary. It was a big night, and they really wowed everyone.
They beat out some tough competition, including stars from Love Island and JLS. Chris was super emotional about the win, saying it was for Dianne and everyone who’s ever been told they couldn’t do something. It’s such a powerful message!
He also mentioned how grateful he is for Dianne, calling her an amazing partner. Chris lost his sight at 22 due to a condition called retinitis pigmentosa, and he thought he might be out early in the competition. But look at him now!
His win has been celebrated by disability charities, who see it as a huge step for awareness. People like Steven Morris from Sense believe this will encourage more disabled folks to join big shows like this.
Even the RNIB praised Chris and Tasha Ghouri, another contestant, for making a positive impact and sparking important conversations about diversity. It’s all about breaking down barriers, right?
Chris’s win is not just a personal victory; it’s a landmark moment for the visually impaired community. It’s great to see more representation on such a popular platform.
Buswell, who has been in the finals before, said this win is for both of them. They really worked hard together, and it shows! Their dances were a hit, especially their final performance, which got a perfect score.
Chris’s last dance was to a classic tune, and he even had a cool moment where he covered Dianne’s eyes to symbolize his journey. It was a beautiful way to end the series.
Of course, the season had its drama too, with some controversies surrounding other contestants. But overall, it’s been a memorable year for Strictly, especially with Chris’s inspiring win.