Dianne Buswell has reunited with her former Strictly partner and reigning Strictly Come Dancing champion, Chris McCausland. In the 2024 edition of the BBC dance show both Dianne and Chris captured the hearts of the nation on their way to lifting the Glitterball trophy.
The comedian made history as the first blind winner of Strictly Come Dancing. He beat Tasha Ghouri, JB Gill and Sarah Hadland in the final and was given a first perfect score of 40 points for a waltz routine to You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and the Pacemakers, his final dance of the series.
After being announced as the winner, Chris said: “This is for her (Dianne) and it’s for everyone out there that thought and got told they couldn’t do something. It just shows with opportunity and support and determination, anything can happen.”
Since their Strictly journey ended last year, Chris has returned to the comedy circuit and has been selling shows out across the country. Dianne shared a selfie of the two last night to Instagram, writing: “I stepped into Chris’ world tonight and was on his show that consisted only of comedians!
“I think I did good as I did hear laughter from the audience unless they just felt sorry for me, either way it was so nice to see my champ again.”
The professional dancer joked: “Do I hang up the dance shoes and switch to a mic? Let’s see what Chris says on our next podcast.” Throughout their time on Strictly, Chris and Dianne built up a fanbase, with supporters delighted to see them reunite once again.
One comment on the post said: “Oh my heart I adore the bones of the pair of you you’re just bloody wonderful” and “You always refer to him as ‘Someone very special’, that’s how we know. Hope you had an amazing time.”
Another said: “Cannot BELIEVE I was lucky enough to see this! Found out I had tickets to this a few weeks ago and just OMG Chris and Dianne, reunited and absolutely hilarious – can’t wait to hear what makes the final edit and SO GLAD I got to hear the whole thing.”
Further responses were: “Dream team! Can’t wait to listen, you’re both equally as funny especially on your podcast so I’m sure it‘ll be a good laugh” and “I wonder what’s scarier, a comedian stepping into dancing world or a dancer stepping into the comedy world. I hope you had the best time!”
The dance partners have maintained a strong connection since the show ended in December last year. After winning, they launched a podcast together called Winning Isn’t Everything.
The synopsis of the podcast reads: “Join Chris and Dianne for their chaotic weekly catch up – talking wins, fails, life and nonsense. Dianne wants to understand the world a bit more, Chris just wants to moan about it. They might even answer some listener questions if they get around to it. They really want this podcast to be a success, but winnings isn’t everything.”
Dianne Buswell will not be retaining her Strictly crown this year, Neighbours star Stefan Dennis pulled out of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. The Australian actor, 66, who was paired with professional dancer Dianne Buswell on the BBC One show, left the show after injuring his calf.
In a social media post Stefan said: “This morning I woke up to the most disappointing day of my time in my Strictly journey. Just when I had finally gained the confidence to do well with my dancing in the competition and achieve more great dances along the way, I was told that on Saturday I had torn my calf so significantly that I am now forced to withdraw from the show.
“I can’t tell you how devastated I am to have to leave so prematurely especially, as there has been, and still is, so much love and support from everyone for both Dianna and myself.”