Strictly Come Dancing partners Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell have maintained a strong connection since the show ended in December last year. The professional dancer and Scouse comedian were crowned champions for their impressive journey together on the show.
Since winning, they have launched a podcast together. Earlier this year, Dianne told fans “Want more of this nonsense? Chris and Dianne are going to be hooking up for a weekly publicly available catch up, otherwise known as a PODCAST.” In a Newport dance show alongside Strictly’s Vito Coppola, Dianne made a special announcement as she said: “Tonight I have the honour of someone very, very special here and I am going to go and grab him.
“I think you’re all going to know him very well”. The dancer told the audience to “hold on” as she went backstage and returned with her Strictly Come Dancing partner.
The onlooking audience erupted into cheers and applause as the two took to the stage together. They embraced in a long hug on stage as Vito gave the comedian a kiss on the cheek.
Dianne said: “Honestly, we actually didn’t realise that we were in the same city.” Chris didn’t know that Dianne was performing until he was asked by members of the public if he was attending. Chris told fans: “I was filming in Newport for the last three days.”
Turning his attention to Strictly, he added: “I said no to doing Strictly a few times because it was terrifying and I didn’t really know what to do. But doing it with this one [Dianne], the most remarkable thing I have ever done.”
Chris and Dianne shared a surprise as he revealed they would be returning for the first episode of the new series of Strictly, with Diane adding: “We’re going to come back and do a dance for you all.”
Sharing the video to Instagram, Dianne wrote: “Last night was so special! Having Chris side of stage made me very emotional. I’m so grateful for the friendship and for just everything that this wonderful man taught me, we speak every week on the podcast together but this was the second time we seen each other in the flesh since strictly.”
Fans of the 2024 Strictly winners commented after the reunion. Bex wrote: “It’s been amazing seeing so many POVs and how the audience loved to see him with you. Also Vito with the love and golden retriever energy as always.”
Lynne commented: “So so special Dianne, this made me cry, I’d love to see you do your Viennese waltz again” and Katie agreed: “I have watched the clips for most of the day, it is so heart-warming to see you and Chris together again. Seeing how happy you were Dianne was so joyous, and also Vito saying it was the highlight of the tour was so sweet.”
The messages of support continued as others said “It was a very special moment @diannebuswell I felt so honoured to have been in the audience for this unforgettable experience” and “I want to find someone who looks at me the way Dianne Buswell looks at Chris McCausland.”
Strictly Come Dancing’s Chris McCausland was overcome with emotion as he was crowned this season’s winner. The Scouse comedian was the show’s first ever blind contestant and he has made history by winning the show.
The 47-year-old’s inspiring journey alongside Dianne Buswell has captured the hearts of the nation and his incredible efforts were rewarded when he won the glitterball. Chris was awarded 116 points overall for his three dances in the final.
The comedian performed a Couple’s Choice to Instant Karma, a Showdance to Get What You Give by the New Radicals before ending his journey with an emotionally stirring Waltz to You’ll Never Walk Alone. The final dance saw Chris receive his first perfect 40 score of the season as judge Anton Du Beke said it would leave everyone watching in his home city in tears.
Chris was overwhelmed with emotion during the episode as he spoke about Strictly’s incredible impact. He said: “I thought this show would be if you did well it would be entertaining and people would smile.
“I didn’t realise it could be emotional, I didn’t realise it could move people and connect with people like this. [You’ll Never Walk Alone] is an emotional song but it’s really hit me because it’s the last time I get to dance with this beautiful person (Dianne).”