Strictly’s Chris McCausland Worried About Dire Consequences as Dianne Buswell Faced Unseen Illness
Chris McCausland, the winner of the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing, faced significant hurdles throughout his journey on the show. These challenges were not only related to his vision impairment but also to the health issues experienced by his dance partner, Dianne Buswell.
Challenges in the Competition
Chris, who has retinitis pigmentosa, lost most of his vision in his early twenties. However, his struggles didn’t solely stem from his condition. During rehearsals for their Samba performance on Halloween Week, Dianne, who is pregnant, accidentally injured Chris. He recalled that an overly enthusiastic kick led to an incident where he had to lie down for twenty minutes to recover. Chris humorously noted the potential insurance implications if he had been injured more severely during the dance.
Dianne Buswell’s Hidden Illness
While Chris’s physical challenges were significant, Dianne’s unseen illness posed another major obstacle. Their Week Eight Couple’s Choice performance to John Lennon’s “Instant Karma” showcased their talent, yet it masked a hidden struggle. Chris revealed that Dianne had been battling a stomach bug that day, impacting her ability to enjoy their performance fully.
- Dianne was unable to keep any food down leading up to the performance.
- She spent much of her day near a restroom.
- The routine’s stunning blackout moment highlighted both Chris’s journey and Dianne’s resilience.
The audience and judges responded emotionally to their performance, earning the duo a commendable score of 33 out of 40. Judge Craig Revel Horwood praised the “poignant blackout moment,” while head judge Shirley Ballas expressed her admiration for Chris’s emotional dedication.
Future Aspirations
In reflecting on his experience, Chris shared his dreams of regaining his sight through medical advancements. He hopes to revisit his performances on Strictly and to watch the dances he accomplished with Dianne. His journey serves as a testament to overcoming both visible and invisible challenges in pursuit of excellence on a national stage.
