Strictly Come Dancing 2024 has been won by Chris McCausland and his partner Dianne Buswell.
The pair were vying against Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola, Tasha Ghouri dancing with Aljaž Škorjanec and JB Gill and his pro partner Lauren Oakley in Saturday night’s tear-jerking grand final (14 December).
McCausland was a firm favourite to win, and is now the first blind contestant to become a Strictly champion.
The comedian’s first two dances of the night – a couple’s choice to “Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)” by John Lennon and a show dance to “You Get What You Give” by New Radicals – had an emotional impact, as judges Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas were left in tears.
And his third caused even more sobbing. McCausland and Buswell were both in tears at the end of their routine — a performance of their Waltz to “You Never Walk Alone” by Gerry and the Pacemakers. Buswell’s parents in the audience were also crying, along with the panel and seemingly everyone in the Clauditorium.
Prior to the live final, McCausland is reported to have faced a last-minute change of plan as his parents couldn’t travel to Hertfordshire to support him due to illness.
His mother Valerie had caught the flu, and was unable to travel from their home in Liverpool to the Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, where the live final took place. McCausland’s father, John, told The Daily Mail he would be remaining at home to look after her.
Reflecting on his win on Saturday night, McCausland admitted he had predicted he would have been the first person eliminated from the competition because he didn’t think he could dance.
“It shows that with opportunity, support and determination, that anything can happen,” he said.
The comedian then dedicated his victory to anybody who “got told or thought that they couldn’t do something”.
Strictly Come Dancing final
- JB Gill kicks off the final with a 40
- Vito Coppola suffers a wardrobe malfunction
- Tasha Ghouri gets an emotional surprise
- Chris McCausland’s final dance leaves panel in tears — and lands a 40
- Sarah Hadland ends the series on a high
- Chris McCausland wins Strictly 2024
- ‘It’s astonishing’: Winners left speechless as they lift Glitterball Trophy
The full list of songs and dances for tonight’s final
Saturday 14 December 2024 13:23 , Ellie MuirEach couple will dance three times each in tonight’s live final, including one judge’s pick, one show dance and a couple’s favourite dance. Find out all of the songs and dance styles below.
JB Gill and Lauren Oakley
Judge’s Pick: Viennese Waltz to “Let’s Go Fly A Kite” from Mary Poppins
Show Dance: Motown Medley
Couple’s Favourite Dance: Samba to “Mas Que Nada” by Sergio Mendes
Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell
Judge’s Pick: Couple’s Choice to “Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)” by John Lennon
Show Dance: “You Get What You Give” by New Radicals
Couple’s Favourite Dance: Waltz to “You’ll Never Walk Alone” by Gerry and the Pacemakers
Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola
Judge’s Pick: American Smooth to “Proud” by Heather Small
Show Dance: “Cabaret” by Metropole Orkest
Couple’s Favourite Dance: Cha Cha to “Like A Prayer” by Madonna
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec
Judge’s Pick: Couple’s Choice to “What About Us” by P!nk
Show Dance: “Sing, Sing, Sing” by Benny Goodman
Couple’s Favourite Dance: American Smooth to “Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi
Tasha Ghouri’s journey from being Love Island’s first ever deaf contestant to Strictly Come Dancing
Saturday 14 December 2024 14:13 , Ellie MuirAmong this year’s finalists is 26-year-old Tasha Ghouri – a model, TV personality and charity ambassador.
Ghouri shot to fame for being the first ever deaf contestant to appear on reality dating show Love Island.
She has proven herself to be a natural on the dancefloor, regularly landing some of the highest scores on the leaderboard including the first 10s of the season. She is partnered with pro Aljaz Skorjanec, and her performances have been called “practically perfect” by judge Anton Du Beke.
Read more here:
Tasha Ghouri, from being Love Island’s first deaf contestant to Strictly
JB Gill, the JLS star whose pro partner changed halfway through the series
Saturday 14 December 2024 15:00 , Ellie MuirJB Gill has made his way to the final – but it hasn’t been a steady journey. His previous partner, Amy Dowden, was forced to pull out of the competition after she sustained an injury. Still, though, the former JLS singer has powered through.
Read more below:
Meet the JLS member battling through Strictly Come Dancing chaos
Everything you need to know about finalist Sarah Hadland’s ‘Strictly’ journey
Saturday 14 December 2024 15:30 , Ellie MuirShe’s been told by judges that she’s got the “best legs” in the competition and routinely wowed fans with her impressive moves. But does Sarah Hadland have what it takes to take home the glitterball trophy? Take a look back at her Strictly journey, below.
Meet Sarah Hadland, the comedian and Miranda star taking to the Strictly dance floor
Strictly’s grand final has begun
Saturday 14 December 2024 18:00 , Rachel McGrathHere we go! In just under two and a half hours time, we’ll be watching one pair lift the Glitterball trophy. But who could it be? The competition genuinely seems pretty open this year — though Chris McCausland has emerged as the favourite in the run-up to tonight’s show.
Whether you’re tuning in at home or quietly checking your phone while out at a Christmas do, I’ll be here to guide you through an exciting night.
Strictly pros open the show
Saturday 14 December 2024 18:02 , Rachel McGrathThe professionals are showing us how it’s done — and Amy Dowden is among them! What a joy to see her back on the dancefloor again.
This year’s four finalists then joined their partners for a dance, and it unexpectedly felt quite emotional seeing them all there?! What a fabulous final four.
JB and Lauren to perform Mary Poppins routine
Saturday 14 December 2024 18:10 , Rachel McGrathFor their Judges’ Pick, JB and Lauren are performing their Viennese Waltz to “Let’s Go Fly A Kite” from Mary Poppins, which they closed the quarter-finals with just a few weeks ago.
In each pair’s first VT, we’ll see a judge going to tell them which routine they’ve picked and these two have received a visit from Anton, who has stuck around to help out with choreography.
JB opens the show
Saturday 14 December 2024 18:12 , Rachel McGrathAnd what a way to do it. This routine was practically perfect the first time they performed it and that was great, if not better.
Last time around, they scored a 39 with (yes you guessed it) Craig being the only judge not to give them a 10. Will he be convinced to this time around? I hope so!
Judges heap praise on JB
Saturday 14 December 2024 18:15 , Rachel McGrath“Happy? I’m delighted! It was amazing,” said Anton. “It was better than before. There was more sway, your headline improved. The pivots! I know you’ve got three dances tonight but I’d like to see that three times.”
Craig said: “I’m not happy... I couldn’t find anything wrong with it. Grace, elegant, quality.”
“You were light, you were flying,” said Motsi. “Then in your solo parts, you shined. That is how you start a Strictly final.”
Shirley was similarly positive, telling JB: “Well done, you.”
I think we’re heading for that 40!
JB’s scores are in...
Saturday 14 December 2024 18:16 , Rachel McGrathAnd he’s set the bar as high as you possibly can! JB and Lauren have been awarded 40 points.
Craig’s 100th 10
Saturday 14 December 2024 18:18 , Rachel McGrathThe judge has been invited up to the Clauditorium, where he’s been congratulated for finally awarding his 100th 10, having judged 22 series of Strictly.
“Anton did it in about six weeks,” quipped Claudia Winkleman.
Tasha and Aljaz redo their Couple’s Choice
Saturday 14 December 2024 18:20 , Rachel McGrathOf all the finalists, Tasha is the contestant whose Judges’ Pick and Couple’s Favourite scored highest first time around.
The judges have asked her and Aljaz to perform their Couple’s Choice to P!nk’s “What About Us” again, with Motsi delivering the news and giving them some last-minute tips.
Last time, Craig was the only judge who didn’t score the routine with a 10. Could he hand out his 101st 10 to Tasha?
Tasha’s Couple’s Choice is just as stunning second time around
Saturday 14 December 2024 18:22 , Rachel McGrathThe standards are seriously high tonight, aren’t they? That was just as beautiful as when they performed it for the first time and the pair looked even more confident in their lifts, which was a hugely noticeable improvement. Surely Craig won’t be able to find any faults in that?
‘Possibly the best dancer we’ve ever seen'
Saturday 14 December 2024 18:25 , Rachel McGrath“I think that was beautiful,” said Motsi. “Being able to be as skilled as you and having that freedom, making that look easy... it’s really tough. You have that grace, you have star quality.”
Shirley added: “Such a magically musical body. There’s not a part of you that doesn’t dance to the music. Fabulous.”
“I’ve written so much to say... could you be the best dance we’ve ever had on Strictly? Possibly,” said Anton.
Craig concluded: “You have the most amazing extension, the most incredible elevation and beautiful placement of feet. It was stunning.
Tasha’s scores are in...
Saturday 14 December 2024 18:27 , Rachel McGrathShe’s landed 39! Yes, it was Craig who scored the routine with a 9.
Chris and Craig bond in the training room
Saturday 14 December 2024 18:29 , Rachel McGrathThe Judges’ Pick for Chris and Dianne is their Couple’s Favourite to “Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)” by John Lennon, which scored them 33 back in week eight.
And in a lovely move, it was Craig who delivered the news to the pair. Chris and Craig have had such brilliant banter throughout the series and it’s lovely to see them in the rehearsal room together.
Chris brings the joy
Saturday 14 December 2024 18:33 , Rachel McGrathI know we’re only half an hour in but is anyone else feeling a bit overwhelmed? All of the celebs seem to have relaxed into their routines this week, and Chris did a phenomenal job.
You can see the joy on his face, which is just brilliant. And like Tasha and JB, he definitely improved that routine second time around.
Craig told them: “You took the notes so thank you for that. The transitions were a lot smoother.”
Motsi is in tears, which makes me feel a lot better. “All the 300 hours [putting make-up] on my face is for nothing,” she quipped.
Chris’s scores are in...
Saturday 14 December 2024 18:37 , Rachel McGrathHe received a 33 for this routine first time around — and now he’s landed a 38.
That was thanks to an 8 from Craig, 10s from Motsi, Shirley and 10.
Sarah receives a training room visit from Shirley
Saturday 14 December 2024 18:39 , Rachel McGrathSarah and Vito’s Judges’ Pick is their American Smooth and they’ve received the news with a visit from head judge Shirley Ballas.
“It couldn’t be better for me that Shirley walked through that door,” Sarah said.
The head judge explained: “The reason why we’ve picked this dance for you is we see so much potential.”
Sarah delivers a beautiful American Smooth
Saturday 14 December 2024 18:41 , Rachel McGrathTheir week eight performance of this routine won a total of 33 points, so there's a decent amount of room for improvement here.
Just like the other finalists, Sarah looks even more confident and at ease on the dancefloor this week. Maybe it’s the fact the judges’ scores are just guides for viewers? Whatever the reason, it’s fantastic.
Those lifts were beautiful and the transitions into and out of them were even smoother this time around. Sarah has defintely done a lot to make herself proud.
Vito has a wardrobe issue
Saturday 14 December 2024 18:44 , Rachel McGrathWell... his trousers appear to have broken. Vito is now holding them together at the top, in order to preserve his modesty.
“There might be a malfunction with the trousers but there wasn’t one with the dance,” Shirley quipped.
Sarah’s scores are in...
Saturday 14 December 2024 18:46 , Rachel McGrathIt’s a 9 from Craig, and 10s from Motsi, Shirley and Anton, for a total of 39.
Voting is now open
Saturday 14 December 2024 18:50 , Rachel McGrathThe voting usually opens at the end of each Saturday’s live show, but as the winner will be announced tonight, you can vote during the episode.
And as it’s the final, if you’re voting online then you get six votes to cast (so you can split them between your fave pairs if you’re feeling indecisive).
JB is first up with his show dance
Saturday 14 December 2024 18:52 , Rachel McGrathTonight’s live show will have more VTs and comedic bits than in previous episodes, mainly because there are more costume and set changes to allow for.
JB’s show dance is being preceeded by a lovely VT, which includes him reflecting on having two partners during the course of the show.
“I owe them both an incredible debt of gratitude,” he said of Amy Dowden and Lauren Oakley, who replaced her friend after injury. “Amy and Lauren are more than just dance teachers. They’ve helped to establish a love of dancing.”
JB’s sensational show dance
Saturday 14 December 2024 18:54 , Rachel McGrathJB always looks like he’s having the best time, and this show dance is no different.
It’s a properly fun routine to a Motown medley, complete with different dance styles and stunning lifts (as we’ve come to expect from show dances). Bravo!
Judges ‘absolutely love’ JB’s routine
Saturday 14 December 2024 18:56 , Rachel McGrath“I thought it was a little bit heavy in some places,” Craig said. “But the rhythm, the groove, is totally you. I absolutely loved that jazz bit, I thought it was a great, great routine.
“Thank you for bringing the party to Strictly Come Dancing,” said Motsi.
“I think you’re getting confused with heavy and grounded,” Shirley hit back at Craig.
JB’s scores are in...
Saturday 14 December 2024 18:59 , Rachel McGrathA 9 from Craig and 10s from the other judges give him a total of 39.
Tasha’s Show Dance is up next
Saturday 14 December 2024 19:01 , Rachel McGrath1She’s performing it to “Sing, Sing, Sing” by Benny Goodman.
“This show has been the best experience of my life so far,” she said in her VT.
“From day one I always felt that excitement from her,” said Aljaz. “We’ve gone through perfect scores, we’ve gone through dance-offs, she should be so proud of herself. She’s a winner for me every week.”
Tasha goes for old Hollywood glam
Saturday 14 December 2024 19:05 , Rachel McGrathThat was stunning. There was barely a second to breathe during that non-stop routine, and that was just for me watching it. It had lifts, it had kicks, it had absolutely tonnes of old school glam. I loved it.
Can we take a second for the Strictly set designers too? What a beautiful set-up.
“This is the dream dance,” Anton said. “I’d like to think you did this just for me. This is show dancing. This is perfect.”
Craig said: “I’ve got to agree. Sass, style. Absolutely superb. Broadway ready, darling. I totally loved it.”
Tasha’s scores are in...
Saturday 14 December 2024 19:08 , Rachel McGrathShe’s got a 40! That puts her joint top of the leaderboard with JB.
Emotional surprise for Tasha
Saturday 14 December 2024 19:12 , Rachel McGrathTasha has been surprised by her brother, who has watched the series from his home in Australia.
As Tasha explained how her sibling has been cheering her on from the other side of the world, a clearly emotional Claudia introduced him.
Tasha’s brother then gave her a huge huge in the Clauditorium, as Claud — and I’m sure everyone at home (myself included) — sobbed.
Chris’s Show Dance delivers
Saturday 14 December 2024 19:15 , Rachel McGrathIt’s to “You Get What You Give” by New Radicals, and Chris has opened his performance by busting out of a box in the middle of the ballroom.
What a wondergul showcase of not just the moves Chris has learnt, but the partnership he and Dianne have, and the attitude they’ve brought to the competition.
I’ll never stop being amazed by how great his footwork is but this dance is all about vibes (and incredible lifts). And they’ve finished it off with a kneeslide. Amazing.
Shirley Ballas in tears at Chris’s dance
Saturday 14 December 2024 19:18 , Rachel McGrath1Phew, it’s an emotional evening.
“You’ve broken new ground in this series,” Shirley said, wiping tears away from her eyes. “It’s so tricky what you did there beucase you had to move from dance to dance, and into footwork. Quite extraordinary, I applaud both of you.”
Anton said: “Are you the best dancer we’ve had on Strictly Come Dancing? Probably not. Are you the most extraordinary? Absolutely.” And for once, I have to agree with him.
Chris’s scores are in...
Saturday 14 December 2024 19:21 , Rachel McGrathHe’s landed an 8 from Craig, and 10s from the rest of the panel, for a total of 38.
Sarah performs the final Show Dance
Saturday 14 December 2024 19:26 , Rachel McGrathA Show Dance to Cabaret is right up my street. And Sarah’s too — her Sweet Charity number in Blackpool is one of the best dances of the series.
First of all: great wig.
Second of all: what a routine. I feel like I was on the edge of my seat for the whole of that. The lifts were next level, the footwork was incredible and it was absolutely non-stop from start to finish. I need a lay down.
Sarah’s comments are in...
Saturday 14 December 2024 19:29 , Rachel McGrath1It seemed like Sarah was a little unhappy there? After Tess asked “Did you love that?”, Sarah replied: “I did, even though it went a bit...” She then looked down at the floor.
I didn’t notice anything wrong and the judges didn’t seem to either.
“You’re amazing, you’re so brilliant,” Anton said. “You can do anything my love, and you are doing it all.”
“The risky lifts, I don’t know how you did that,” Craig said. “They were absolutely extraordinary.”
Sarah’s scores are in...
Saturday 14 December 2024 19:30 , Rachel McGrathIt’s a 9 from Craig and 10s from the rest of the panel, for a total of 39.
JB dances for the last time
Saturday 14 December 2024 19:32 , Rachel McGrathNothing says “I’ve aced this series” quite like being able to pick a dance style most couples dread as your favourite dance. JB and Lauren are performing their Samba again, which scored them 37 in week eight.
“For me, it was a no-brainer to revisit this,” JB said in their VT.
JB’s Samba is even better second time around
Saturday 14 December 2024 19:37 , Rachel McGrathThat was just brilliant. As JB said in his VT, the Samba is a routine that just really seems to suit him — which isn’t something many celebs can say.
“Who chooses to do a Samba three times?” Shirley said, referencing the fact JB also won the Samba-thon. “There wasn’t a part of your body that didn’t scream ‘samba’. That’s one of the best Sambas I’ve ever seen.”
“You are an exceptional dancer,” Anton said. “You are wonderful to watch.”
And Craig? “Samba sensation, darling.”
“Not just Samba sensation, for me you’re a role model,” said Motsi. “You’ve showed us you can always change the narrative.”
JB’s scores are in...
Saturday 14 December 2024 19:39 , Rachel McGrathAnd he’s landed his second 40 of the night! That leaves JB with a total of 119 out of a possible 120.
Tasha’s last dance
Saturday 14 December 2024 19:43 , Rachel McGrathTasha and Aljaz’s Couple’s Favourite is one of two American Smooths tonight.
They scored 40 for theirs (set to Lewis Capaldi’s “Someone You Loved”) first time around, so the judges will be looking for total perfection again. And I think they’ve delivered.
Tasha has thrived with all dance styles but this slightly lyrical take on the American Smooth really suits her. What a lovely routine to finsh her Strictly journey.
JB’s ‘Merry Christmas'
Saturday 14 December 2024 19:45 , Rachel McGrathCan I just backtrack to the end of JB’s dance? As he and Lauren spoke to Claudia, JB delivered his classic line from when JLS were on The X Factor.
Yes, he said: “Merry Christmas.” Flawless.
For anyone who is unfamiliar with the meme, here’s the original video:
YESS WE GOT A MERRY CHRISTMAS pic.twitter.com/4LYLHleCs8#strictly
— 🦇 (@dennydifferent) December 14, 2024
Tasha’s scores are in...
Saturday 14 December 2024 19:48 , Rachel McGrathAnd she’s finishing Strictly with a very well deserved 40.
Tissues at the ready
Saturday 14 December 2024 19:49 , Rachel McGrathFor their Couple’s Favourite, Chris and Dianne are performing their Waltz to “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.
This is one of my favourite dances of the series and I’m delighted that we’re getting to see it again. The duo scored an admirable 35 when they danced it for the first time in week five and I’m pretty confident they’ll score even higher this time around. And that I will cry. Again.
Chris’s final Waltz leaves everyone in tears
Saturday 14 December 2024 19:58 , Rachel McGrath1Yep, I’m in tears. That was perfect.
Dianne was in tears as they finished the steps, as was Chris. And Motsi and Shirley. You know what, there’s not a dry tear in the studio, to be honest.
“I’m so glad I’m not the only one crying now,” Motsi joked. “Look at us all. Thank you, thank, thank you so much for that. You said in your VT, you’re a role model for the blind community. But I think at this point, you’re a role model for us all.”
“You’ll certainly never walk alone,” Shirley said. She then invited Dianne over for a cuddle. “From one teacher to an amazing teacher, congratulations.” Oh, and on the cry count: Dianne’s parents are sobbing too.
I think Craig is the only person who isn’t in tears. Is he made of stone? He had nothing but praise fror Chris though, and he’s even written a Christmas card he’s reading out.
He said: “In a world of darkness, you’ve learned to dance and slay, with every step you’ve found your way.
“You’ve taught the world anything can be done, as long as you don’t stick out your bum.
“A heart that dances pure and free, is worth much more than a 10 from me.’
Chris’s scores are in...
Saturday 14 December 2024 20:00 , Rachel McGrathAnd it’s a 40! What a wondereful moment. Cue even more tears.
Sarah closes the show with a Cha Cha Cha
Saturday 14 December 2024 20:05 , Rachel McGrathOh I loved this dance. Sarah and Vito’s Couples’ Favourite is their Icons Week Cha Cha Cha to Madonna’s “Like A Prayer”, which scored 37 when they first performed it.
And second time around, it’s even more brilliant. Sarah’s confidence has grown so much and it’s been a joy to see. What a phenomenal last dance.
‘Best final ever’
Saturday 14 December 2024 20:07 , Rachel McGrath“This has been the best final ever,” Anton said, as he gave Sarah her feedback. And yet again, I have to agree with him.
He continued: “You’ve blown me away week after week. Thank you, for you. You, I love.”
“One thing you should know, you kicked that routine up the bottom,” Craig said. “Really marvelous.”
Motsi said: “This feels like the most unforgettable final we’ve had, in my six years here. “
Sarah’s scores are in...
Saturday 14 December 2024 20:09 , Rachel McGrathAnd it’s a 40! Sarah promptly fell to the floor and shrieked after Craig’s 10, which was a truly wonderful reaction.
Final chance to cast your vote
Saturday 14 December 2024 20:12 , Rachel McGrathThe BBC haven’t said when the lines will close, but it is “soon” as Ruth Jones (in character as Nessa) just explained.
And while the final few votes are cast, we’re being treated to a sneak peek at the Christmas episode of Gavin & Stacey which will (genuinely) be the last ever one.
Class of 2024 reunites
Saturday 14 December 2024 20:21 , Rachel McGrathThere are just four minutes left to vote (well, less now) and we’re being treated to a performance featuring the whole of the Class of 2024.
If you’d rather grab a prosecco to toast the winner, now is your final chance!
Votes have closed
Saturday 14 December 2024 20:24 , Rachel McGrathAny votes cast from now on will not count. Which means we’re just moments away from finding out this year’s winners. Eeek!
We’re onto the final VT before the Glitterball announcement
Saturday 14 December 2024 20:31 , Rachel McGrathFans are sharing what they’ve loved about this series. Of course, Pete Wicks’ pink trousers have been given a well-deserved mention. As has Nikita’s attempt to sing a Shakira track.
And the winner is...
Saturday 14 December 2024 20:34 , Rachel McGrathHe’s done it. It’s Chris McCausland!
Chris is lost for words
Saturday 14 December 2024 20:45 , Rachel McGrathDespite the fact he was firm favourite to win in the run-up to the final, Chris was lost for words after he and Dianne were announced as winners.
He told Tess and Claudia: “It’s astonishing. I don’t know what to say. I honestly thought I could go out in the first week or two. I know no-one went out on the first week but I thought I still could.”
Turning his attention to Dianne, he added: “She has got so much out of me. She deserves this so much. She is one of the easiest people to be funny with.
“This is for her, and for everyone out there who got told they couldn’t do something. With opportunity, support and determination, anything can happen.”
Dianne said: “This is not for me. This is me and you, Chris. We did this together. This is for both of us, we worked together. And we did it!”
The moment Chris and Dianne lift the glitterball trophy
Saturday 14 December 2024 21:06 , Ellie MuirWhat a moment it was when Chris and Dianne got their hands on the famous trophy.
Go Chris!
The consensus tonight: one of the best final’s in Strictly history
Saturday 14 December 2024 21:15 , Ellie MuirJudging by the reactions from viewers tonight, the consensus is that this year’s final has been one of the best in a very long time. The standard was brilliant. The emotions were high. Chris McCausland managed to break Craig Revel Horwood. What more could you want?
One person wrote on X/Twitter: “My 95 year old mum called immediately after the result. She was absolutely thrilled to see Chris and Dianne win. She said it was one of the best finals for a long time.”
Another said: “Best final ever!”
The official winner’s pics are in...
Saturday 14 December 2024 21:20 , Ellie MuirThe most joyous pictures of Chris and Dianne have been released. So well deserved.
Chris basking in the glory...
Saturday 14 December 2024 21:25 , Ellie MuirAs he should!
Comment: Chris McCausland is a heroic Strictly winner in a series struck by one controversy after another
Saturday 14 December 2024 21:45 , Ellie MuirRachel McGrath looks back at this year’s series of ‘Strictly’
Chris McCausland is a heroic Strictly winner in a controversy-struck series
Sight-loss charity praises Chris showing ‘there are no barriers for creativity and determination’
Saturday 14 December 2024 22:00 , Ellie MuirChris McCausland has been receiving huge praise for becoming the show’s first blind contestant and winner.
Kerry Bevan, who is Head of Skills at the UK’s leading sight-loss charity, Guide Dogs UK, said in a statement: “Chris McCausland’s victory on Strictly Come Dancing is not only a personal triumph, but also a landmark moment for everyone in the visually impaired community.”
Bevan continued: “There are no barriers to creativity and determination, nor to success on the dancefloor, and Chris’s crowning moment of his journey to the summit proves this.
“Chris has given the public an insight into what it means to have a vision impairment and how people with sight loss can dream big and pursue their ambitions fearlessly.
“Chris and Dianne are worthy winners and it’s even more poignant that this milestone occurred during Strictly’s 20th anniversary series. Dianne has been a shining example of how we can all take steps to make the world a more inclusive and accessible place.”
A look back at tonight’s final....
Saturday 14 December 2024 22:30 , Ellie MuirDuring tonight’s final, Vito Coppola suffered awkward an wardrobe malfunction while performing alongside Sarah Hadland.
The pair were performing an American Smooth to “Proud” by Heather Small when Coppola’s trousers came loose, and he had to use his free hand to hold them up for the duration of the routine.
When the dance finished, Coppola and Hadland broke into laughter as host Tess Daly acknowledged that the professional dancer had experienced a “wardrobe issue”.
Read more here:
Vito Coppola suffers awkward wardrobe malfunction during Strictly Come Dancing final
This picture perfect encapsulates all of the emotions from tonight
Saturday 14 December 2024 23:00 , Ellie MuirTonight’s final was nothing but tear-jerking. This moment captured in the Clauditorium after Chris’s performance sums it all up. Not a dry eye in the house.
Clauditorium summed it up best #strictly pic.twitter.com/YJaGNB1Rgq
— poppy ☾ (@scddevereaux) December 14, 2024
In pictures: Chris’s best moments from tonight’s final
Saturday 14 December 2024 23:30 , Ellie MuirTake a look back at Chris’s best moments before he was announced as the winner in tonight’s final.
There was only one winner – but Anton made his thoughts clear
01:02 , Ellie MuirDuring Saturday night’s final, Anton Du Beke named Tasha Ghouri as the best dancer to ever compete in the show’s history. What an achievement.
While she may not have taken home the glitterball trophy – surely that’s the next best thing?
Read the full story below:
Anton Du Beke names ‘best’ Strictly contestant to ever compete on series
Amy Dowden delighted fans when she made a cameo appearance in the show’s opening number
03:00 , Ellie MuirAmy Dowden should have been competing in Saturday night’s final, if it had not been for a shin fracture she sustained mid-competition.
Finalist JB Gill was formerly partnered with Dowden until she was forced to pull out of the competition after sustaining a stress fracture in her shin. She was advised by doctors to take several weeks off to recover, and therefore she was replaced by pro Oakley.
However, she surprised fans by making a small appearance in the final’s opening number.
Read more here:
Strictly’s Amy Dowden delights viewers as she returns to dancefloor for group routine
What you may have missed: A cameo from Gavin & Stacey’s Nessa
06:00 , Ellie MuirActor Ruth Jones made an appearance as her Gavin & Stacey character Nessa Jenkins, as she read out Strictly’s terms and conditions during Saturday night’s live show.
In true Nessa style, she firmly ordered Claudia Winkleman and the rest of the cast to be quiet and approved of the “tidy” network charges.
Comment: Chris McCausland is a heroic Strictly winner in a series struck by one controversy after another
07:02 , Ellie MuirHere’s what Strictly expert Rachel McGrath makes of the 2024 series...
Chris McCausland is a heroic Strictly winner in a controversy-struck series
Former ‘Strictly’ pro Kevin Clifton gives verdict on final
08:46 , Ellie MuirKevin Clifton, who was a pro on the series from 2013 to 2019 has said that this year’s final was another testament to Strictly’s staying power.
“Every year for about 13 years I’ve heard people say and read articles saying is done,” he wrote on X/Twitter. “And then every year they deliver magic. What a show. Well done everyone.”
Chris’s best moments
09:45 , Ellie MuirViewers have been sharing their appreciation for the technicality and musicality in Chris’s performances on Saturday. There’s one particular moment that caught viewers’ attention when the pair reconnected during their final dance, a Waltz to “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.
As much as I usually prefer the better dancers to win each series, this is hands down the moment of the series.
— Brit of a Reality Check (@BritofaReality) December 14, 2024
The moment when Chris and Dianne reconnect is quite something.#Strictly #StrictlyComeDancingpic.twitter.com/7J3sSCVB98
Chris’s acceptance speech
10:45 , Ellie MuirWhen Chris and Dianne were announced as the winners, he told host Tess Daly that he thought he would have been booted out of the competition in week one.
“We’ve lasted and lasted and Dianne has got so much out of me,” he said. “[Dianne] deserves this so much. Every day she’s just positivity and belief and she’s just one of the easiest people to be funny with than I’ve ever met.”
He then joked: “Unless she changes her number, she’s stuck with me.”
McCausland dedicated his win to anybody who “got told or thought that they couldn’t do something”.
“It shows that with opportunity, support and determination, that anything can happen,” he said.
Buswell said: “This is not for me, this is me and you, Chris. We did this together. This is for both of us, we worked together. And we did it!”
Craig’s speech for Chris
12:00 , Ellie MuirIn Strictly Come Dancing’s 20-year history, judge Craig Revel Horwood has developed a reputation for being the pantomime villain of the series – giving out harsh scores and even more scathing criticism.
However, it seems that this year’s winner, Chris, has been the person to finally break down the ruthless judge.
During last night’s final, Craig revealed that he had written “a little something” dedicated to Chris.
He began the poem: “In a world of darkness, you’ve learnt to dance and slay / With every step, you’ve found your way / You’ve taught the world anything can be done / As long as you don’t stick out your bum / No shoulders raised with swing and sway / With every heel lead, you discovered the day / A heart that dances, pure and free / Is worth much more than a 10 from me / And Chris, you’re a light that shines for all to see.”
Read more below:
Craig Revel Horwood shocks Strictly fans with emotional poem to Chris McCausland
Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas congratulates Chris
12:52 , Ellie MuirShirley Ballas, Strictly’s head judge, has congratulated Chris and Dianne after their win on Saturday night.
“I am in awe of you both and feel honoured that all our paths have crossed,” she said. “Judging you each week has been a privilege. Huge congratulations. What a final. X.”
Champions 🏆 #Strictly … congratulations @chrismccausland @dbuzz6589 for your outstanding win last night.
— Shirley Ballas (@ShirleyBallas) December 15, 2024
I am in awe of you both and feel honoured that all our paths have crossed. Judging you each week has been a privilege. Huge congratulations. What a final. X pic.twitter.com/GNqIDBU3Bv
‘Strictly’ viewing figures released
13:26 , Ellie MuirAn average of 8.6 million people tuned in on Saturday between 6pm and 8.35pm to watch Chris McCausland become the first blind winner of Strictly.
The BBC’s overnight viewing figures revealed a peak audience of 9.6 million people as Chris and Dianne lifted the glitterball trophy.
It marks a small change from last year when Coronation Street star Ellie Leach won the final with Vito Coppola, which had an average of 8.8 million viewers for the live show, with a peak audience of 9.7 million.
Joe Sugg sends heartfelt message to his partner Dianne Buswell after Strictly triumph
14:27 , Ellie MuirJoe Sugg has sent a moving message to his long-term partner Dianne Buswell after she and Chris McCausland were crowned the winners.
The YouTuber was paired with the professional dancer on Strictly in 2018, and the pair sparked a romantic connection and have been together since.
Reacting to the news that his partner had lifted the glitterball trophy on Saturday night, Joe, who placed second in the 2018 final, thanked Chris for making Dianne’s year “so special”.
Read more here:
Joe Sugg sends heartfelt message to his partner Dianne Buswell after Strictly triumph
