Strictly Star Chris McCausland Reveals Dianne Buswell’s Struggle with Secret Illness Ordeal
Chris McCausland, the winner of last year’s Strictly Come Dancing, disclosed a significant struggle faced by his dance partner, Dianne Buswell. While McCausland, who lives with retinitis pigmentosa, faced numerous challenges, it was Buswell’s health issues that presented a hidden struggle.
Dianne Buswell’s Secret Illness
During their preparation for the Halloween Week samba, Buswell experienced a severe stomach upset. Despite her condition, she pushed through to perform with McCausland. He later revealed that her illness impacted their ability to enjoy the routine fully.
A Memorable Performance
The Couple’s Choice performance to John Lennon’s “Instant Karma” featured a dramatic blackout moment. This segment aimed to immerse the audience in McCausland’s experience of living without sight, resulting in an emotional response from judges and viewers alike.
- Performance scored: 33 out of 40 points
- Judges: Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke
- Audience reaction: Rapturous applause
Despite Buswell’s illness, the performance received praise. Craig Revel Horwood described the blackout moment as “absolutely spectacular.” Head judge Shirley Ballas noted McCausland’s emotional dedication each week.
Performance Challenges
McCausland humorously recalled the potential for an embarrassing incident during the spin at the end of their routine. Thankfully, Buswell managed to keep her composure, avoiding any mishaps during the performance.
In his autobiography, *Keep Laughing*, McCausland reflected on their time on Strictly, expressing a desire to sometime watch their performances together. He noted that if advancements in medicine allowed him to regain his sight, he would cherish the opportunity to see their accomplishments on stage.
