Dianne Buswell and Strictly Co-Star Secretly Pull Off Risky Move to Dodge BBC Bosses’ Concerns
Chris McCausland, the first blind contestant on “Strictly Come Dancing,” has revealed a strategic approach he and his dance partner Dianne Buswell used to sidestep potential concerns from BBC executives. In his autobiography, “Keep Laughing,” McCausland discusses their decision to withhold certain performance elements from producers, which he believed could have raised safety alarms.
Revealing Insights from Chris McCausland’s Autobiography
In “Keep Laughing,” McCausland, who won the Glitterball trophy with Buswell, describes his dynamic with judge Craig Revel Horwood. McCausland portrays Horwood as an “adversary” and “pantomime villain,” allowing their live interactions to entertain audiences.
- Conflict with Craig Revel Horwood: McCausland enjoyed pushing boundaries in his exchanges with Horwood, embracing the live format to avoid censorship.
- Risky Moves in Performances: He admitted to intentionally keeping elements, like a playful piggy-back to the judges, undisclosed to avoid concerns about health and safety.
- Surprising the Audience: Performances in the live show included unexpected moments that added excitement, such as the “We’re not worthy” bows during their jive.
Addressing Representation for the Blind Community
At the Royal Television Society Convention in Cambridge, McCausland expressed his initial fears about becoming the first blind contestant. He candidly admitted his repeated hesitance to join due to concerns about his performance:
- Fear of Representation: McCausland worried that failing to perform well could reflect poorly on the blind community.
- Desire for Positive Representation: He aimed to represent blind individuals positively without relying on emotional stories.
McCausland noted the evolving representation of disability in mainstream media, emphasizing the need for authentic portrayals. He feared that if he turned down opportunities, others might perpetuate stereotypes with cliched narratives.
In summary, Chris McCausland’s insights shed light on the unconventional and entertaining strategies he employed with Dianne Buswell on “Strictly Come Dancing.” His focus on comedy and authentic representation showcases the ongoing dialogue regarding inclusivity in entertainment, while also entertaining audiences with their spontaneous performances.
