STRICTLY Come Dancing’s Chris McCausland has opened up about the heartbreaking reason he previously turned down the show.
Popular comedian Chris, 47, is the beloved BBC show’s first ever blind contestant.
Strictly star Chris McCausland has opened up about why he previously declined to join the show[/caption]
The comedian – who is Strictly’s first blind contestant – is partnered with Dianne Buswell[/caption]
In June, The Sun exclusively reported Chris’ involvement in the latest series – and which was confirmed in August.
Speaking to Radio Times, however, the star addressed declining to join the show twice in the past.
Chris revealed: “I was resistant to the idea for a while.
“I said no a few times – to last year’s series and the Christmas special.
“One reason was for self-preservation. I didn’t think I could do it, because I literally couldn’t see what’s expected of me.
“And because I don’t watch it, I don’t have an attachment to the format.”
He added: “But I’d rather do something I had no knowledge of than make a show I knew everything about.
“I’m good at making comedy out of failure, but I’m going to take this seriously.”
Chris has been partnered with Australian pro dancer Dianne Buswell, who’s previously worked with Joe Sugg, Tyler West and Bobby Brazier to name a few.
And the pair’s first performance seemed to impress a large number of the show’s audience.
Taking to X, one fan wrote: “This show never ceases to amaze me.
“I genuinely can’t believe what a sensational performance that was from Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell. Absolutely outstanding.”
Another penned: “Wow Chris McCausland. A very funny man and blind.
“What he has just done on Strictly is nothing short of amazing and well done Dianne.
Strictly 2024 pairings
Here’s who is matched with who this series…
Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell
Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas
JB Gill and Amy Dowden MBE
Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe
Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk
Paul Merson and Karen Hauer
Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał
Punam Krishan and Gorka Márquez
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec
Tom Dean MBE and Nadiya Bychkova
Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones
Sam Quek MBE and Nikita Kuzmin
Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola
Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu
Wynne Evans and Katya Jones
“Incredible truly. Go Chris.”
While a third commented: “Absolutely blown away with Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell‘s routine tonight.
“My favourite of the night. The best of #Strictly yet again.”
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One and iPlayer.
Audiences seemed to be wowed by Chris and Dianne’s first live performance[/caption]
