Strictly Come Dancing star Dianne Buswell has shared an emotional post on social media as she issued a “special” announcement which left fans in tears. The dancer was last year’s winner of the BBC show after she won over the nation with Scouse comedian Chris McCausland.
Chris was the show’s first ever blind contestant and his inspiring story captured the hearts of the nation on the way to being crowned champions. One of their most emotionally charged routines came in week five of the competition when they danced the Waltz to You’ll Never Walk Alone.
Chris and Dianne are among the nominees for the Bafta P&O Cruises ‘Memorable Moment’ award. The award is voted for by the public and aims to celebrate the most impactful parts of the year’s television.
The professional dancer and celebrity partner, who are the second-ever to be nominated following Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice, are nominated for their performance of You’ll Never Walk Alone, which they performed twice on the show.
The performance was an ode to the city as Chris said after the performance: “It’s a Liverpool FC song, but I’m wearing some red today. You’re wearing some blue today and I hope we’re representing the city. It’s a song about togetherness and hope.”
In an Instagram post uploaded by the Australian dancer, she wrote: “A few years ago Joe and I were invited to go watch the BAFTAs! My makeup lady asked if I was a nominee and I remember thinking it would be so amazing if I actually was! Fast forward to now and it’s come true.
“Team there’s only a few days left to vote for this special moment. I watched it again just now and yes tears streamed down my face especially when Chris says thank you at the end. It truly was such a special moment. If you loved it too I’ll leave the vote link in my stories. Thank you all so much.”
Throughout their journey on Strictly, Chris and Dianne captured the nation’s heart and admiration. They entered the final as one of the most favoured couples in the show’s history, with betting odds indicating that they were the clear favourites to win – one bookmaker had them at 1/18 odds-on favourites to triumph.
Fans took to the comments to congratulate the dancer after her emotional update. One wrote: “Every single time I watch this is gets me, it was the most beautiful dance to watch and one that will never be forgotten. You’ve certainly got my vote. Good luck.”
More added: “Cry every time I watch it, emotional as a Liverpool fan and Strictly fan, one of the most memorable moments EVER on Strictly, hope you win, well deserved.” Another said: “Gets me every time!”
Dianne described the performance as the most powerful of her career when she addressed the crowd at the M&S Bank Arena at the Strictly Live tour in January. The ECHO was in attendance as she told the Merseyside crowd: “I think our You’ll Never Walk Alone was the most beautiful number I’ve ever done in my life.
She asked fans for support as she included the link to vote for Chris and Dianne in the most Memorable Moment category. Voting closes on Friday April 25.