Strictly Come Dancing fans 'can't believe it' as BBC show makes history
Strictly Come Dancing's first-ever visually impaired contestant, Chris McCausland, wowed audiences and moved judge Shirley Ballas to the brink of tears with his stunning performance.
Chris and his professional dance partner Dianne Buswell danced a cha-cha to The Beatles' hit Twist and Shout, pulling off complex moves that left even seasoned pro Anton Du Beke in awe. Their routine featured Chris executing challenging leg twists while swinging Dianne between his legs, prompting Anton to admit that it's a move he still shies away from.
The breathtaking performance had fans rushing to Twitter to express their amazement, with one viewer exclaiming: "Chris McCausland on Strictly tonight - one of the most amazing dances ever! How a blind person can do what he did was unbelievable!"
READ MORE:Strictly Come Dancing fans 'work out' winner after spotting huge clue
READ MORE:Savvy shopper saves 'nearly £300 a year' thanks to £1.70 item at Primark
Another fan was thrilled to have caught Chris's comedy act before his Strictly fame, predicting he's set for stardom: "So glad I saw Chris McCausland's stand up before he was on Strictly because he's going to blow up now."
Meanwhile, another expressed pride in the remarkable duo: "Chris and Dianne!! What a team so so proud of my team. The way Dianne's taught Chris all of this and really played to his strengths is soooo beautiful!! What a special bond they have!! I am so so excited to see what more they bring every week," reports the Mirror.
Shirley Ballas herself was deeply touched by the routine, sharing her initial uncertainty but ultimately praising Chris's skill and timing in executing the difficult lifts, saying: "When I saw the street lights at the beginning, I really didn't know what to expect. You had lifts just to take her between your legs, you have to time that, it's hard enough as it is! You had great skills when it came to listening to your partner."
"Technique... it's week one. Everybody has to get a little bit stronger in the technique. But that was, for me, actually I'm quite shocked and very emotional. Fabulous."
Anton Du Beke, meanwhile, admitted: "It's one of the most extraordinary things I've ever seen in my entire life. That thing at the end where you twirl her around under your legs, I've tried that I don't want to go anywhere near that step! Just brilliant."
Strictly Come Dancing has soared back onto our screens for its 2024 season with a dazzling launch show. Week one is underway, with the celebs and their pro partners stepping out for their first shot to climb up the leaderboard after impressing with their routines.
Whilst judges will be doling out their critiques and dishing out scores, there'll be no tearful goodbyes this time as the first week spares all contestants from elimination. The real nail-biting moments begin in week two when the stakes are higher, and the first celebrity will wave goodbye to the dance floor.
Audience participation cranks up next Saturday (September 28) as the voting lines open, setting the stage for Sunday, September 29's initial elimination spectacle. Tonight's extravaganza starts at 7pm on BBC One, minus the results broadcast this weekend.
Shayne Ward, the X Factor alum, and JLS's JB Gill are the frontrunners in the betting pools currently, but according to former Strictly pro Erin Boag, 'Miranda' star Sarah Hadland is someone audiences can't afford to overlook.