After becoming overwhelmed with emotion on the live show of Strictly Come Dancing, Dianne Buswell has shared another heartwrenching tribute to her partner Chris McCausland as the pair release a joint statement
Strictly’s Dianne Buswell has spoken out ahead of the final and thanked her dance partner Chris McCausland for his ‘kindness’ while he revealed he is an ‘emotional wreck’.
Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell have made it through to the final of Strictly Come Dancing, defying all the odds. Comedian Chris is the show’s first ever blind contestant and the couple have enthralled viewers and the live audience throughout the series with how they have overcome the constraints of his disability.
In the semi-final, the pair performed a Charleston to When You’re Smiling by The Blue Vipers Of Brooklyn and a Viennese waltz to Metallica’s Nothing Else Matters. After their dances, the pair became overwhelmed with emotion as Dianne spoke of her pride at Chris’ incredible achievements each week: “I have taught Chris this whole time, without a single visual cue. He’s never been able to watch a video back to see whether he’s done a great job, or to look at anything and think ‘Oh maybe I can improve on that,” she said, adding: “He’s never been able to see any of his competitors, or see what the competition is like. He’s had none of that, but he’s done so well because he’s captured the spirit of this show. I could not be prouder of him. He has shown that things are so possible.”
Chris, who suffers from the hereditary condition retinitis pigmentosa, battled to contain his feelings as he listened to his partner, along with the other professional dancers who were standing around the couple witnessing the beautiful moment and wiping tears from their eyes. Now, ahead of the final, the pair have issued a joint statement on social media, with Dianne once again heralding Chris’ hard work and personal traits.
“We did it partner Strictly 2024 FINALISTS!!!!” it read. “You deserve this so much. Thank you for your friendship, kindness, and trust, doing this with you has been one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had.” She made a pledge to fans as she added: “We promise to do what we do every week in the final and that is try our very best and enjoy the moment because it’s such a special one.” Responding, Chris revealed that he still can’t believe how far they have come, commenting that he was still an “emotional wreck” and “overwhelmed”.
Fans were quick to add their support and excitement for the final. “Beyond proud of you both, no one deserves it more so excited to watch you in the final, hopefully winning the glitter ball,” one wrote. Another thanked them for their accomplishments: “You are both changing the game in the dancing world. Your communication, trust, belief and passion for what you both do is what makes you both so amazing. Thank you for bringing us something so special each week,” they shared. A third added: “I don’t think I have any words left to say. Just sheer pride and joy. You deserve this more than anybody I’ve ever seen grace the Strictly dance floor. You absolute diamonds!!!”
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