Strictly Come Dancing pro Dianne Buswell has shared a behind-the-scenes look at her training sessions with comedian Chris McCausland, the show’s first-ever blind contestant.
The 47-year-old lost his sight fully at age 22 due to a hereditary condition called retinitis pigmentosa, a gradual process that began at birth.
This year, he is making history on Strictly, and Buswell, 35, is adapting her teaching methods for the challenge.
Returning for her eighth season, the Aussie dancer is aiming for the glitterball trophy after reaching last year’s final with Bobby Brazier.
The duo's hard work paid off during their first live performance on Saturday, a cha cha cha that wowed audiences and judges alike, earning them a solid 23 points.
Following the show, the Strictly star posted rehearsal footage on Instagram, highlighting a standout move where she does a headstand, and McCausland catches her legs.
The moment wasn’t without its mishaps, as a few bloopers showed the funnyman dropping her in rehearsals, leaving them both in fits of laughter.
In her emotional caption, Buswell, who is dating 2018 Strictly finalist Joe Sugg, expressed her gratitude to fans for their overwhelming support of her and McCausland’s partnership.
She wrote: “Wow what a night ! I can truly say dancing last night with Chris was one of my most memorable dance experiences I have ever had!”
On their backstage chats, she added: “He said to me before we went out let’s not tell our selves we are going to be amazing because that’s just adding pressure , he said let’s tell ourselves we’re just going to go and have fun !! Followed by a Di what the #%*% am I doing here?
“Thank you for your trust Chris your an absolute LEGEND and I can not wait to share that floor with you as many times as we get the chance too [sic].”
Responding to her post, McCausland spoke of the toll his Strictly debut had taken on him: “I was so emotionally frazzled afterwards and I am still recovering.
“You are the absolute best! See you on Monday partner.”
In their VT before performing the Beatles classic Twist and Shout, Buswell described how working with the Liverpudlian is unlike any celebrity she has taught before.
The dancer explained: “I can’t show him what something needs to look like. I’ve found Chris places his hand on my body and feels how my arms and my legs are moving and then he instantly gets an idea of what he should be doing.”
To which, he added: “She is really patient and bringing the best out of me.”
The pair are already being tipped to win this series, becoming the talk of social media on Saturday night —not just for their dancing, but also for his clever response to judge Craig Revel Horwood's criticism.
McCausland joked: “I’m too knackered to care, mate! I’ll drive you home tonight.”
