Strictly's Chris McCausland 'astonished' by Dianne Buswell's dad's shock take on his chances in competition

As the second week of Strictly Come Dancing comes to an end celebrities will be full of nerves and hoping for all the luck they can get ahead of the dance off. However, Chris McCausland has been left "astonished" by a confession from his professional partner's dad.

Chris is partnered with Australian dancer Dianne Buswell on the BBC show and her family still live in Australia. During a FaceTime call with her dad, Mark, he revealed his verdict on Chris' chances in the competition. For the latest TV & Showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter.

He told Dianne that Chris was in his "top ten dancers" on the show, which left Chris 'faux' outraged as there are only 15 celebrities on the show. Speaking on a video both Chris and Dianne posted to Instagram, Chris said: "There is only 15 in the show! How can I be in this top ten? I mean literally, the lack of faith from your family is astonishing... I'm only in the top 66% of dancers on this show."

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Dianne was in hysterical laughter during the video, however, Mark did say earlier in the video he would trust Chris to fly the plane from Perth to London when he and the rest of the family come to watch. In October 2023 Dianne broke down in tears on Strictly Come Dancing after her father Mark was diagnosed with cancer.

In April 2024 she shared that Mark had finished 12 rounds of treatment for the cancer. Posting to Instagram, she said: "To my daddy you did it 6 months later and 12 rounds done. I am so so PROUD of you it’s been a tough road but you have always done it with a smile and a thumbs up.

"I know you were scared and I know it was not easy but you have done it. I wish so much I could be there right now and just cuddle you. You're my hero and you have made me realise we all have so much more strength then we think."

It turned out that Chris and Dianne had nothing to worry about as their second dance, a foxtrot saw the judges heap praise on the pair. The duo raked in an impressive 29 points out of 40 and earned heaps of acclaim, with judge Anton Du Beke paying particular attention to Chris' impressive timing. The pair were a hit with the audience as well as the judges, and they received a roaring standing ovation from the crowd. Motsi Mabuse said the pair made it "look so easy" complimenting the smooth technique.