The finale of Strictly Come Dancing was a whirlwind of warm embraces and jubilant celebrations as comedian Chris McCausland, 47, nabbed the glitterball trophy alongside his professional partner Dianne Buswell, 35. The dynamic duo toppled their rivals: JLS’s JB Gill with partner Lauren Oakley, Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri paired with Aljaž Škorjanec, and actress Sarah Hadland dancing alongside Vito Coppola.
Onlookers, including judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood, swelled with pride on Saturday as Chris and Dianne emerged victorious. In the throes of his emotional win, when probed by presenter Tess Daly about how he felt, Chris passionately exclaimed, “It’s astonishing, I don’t know what to say. I thought I would go out in the first week or two. We have lasted and lasted and she has got so much out of me, she deserves this so much. This is for her and for everyone out there who thought… who got told they couldn’t do something or thought they couldn’t do it. With opportunity and support and determination anything can happen.”
Overcome with emotion herself, a teary and victorious Dianne asserted that the victory was “for both of them”, while joyfully shouting: “We did it! ” Following the show, the cast and crew finally revelled in relaxation after the season’s end.
Shirley Ballas, the head judge, took to social media to share a gallery of behind-the-scenes snapshots from the unforgettable evening.
In a cosy snapshot, Shirley Ballas is seen embracing the Italian dance pro Vito, with both of them beaming with joy as they hugged to celebrate the season’s conclusion. Another heartwarming picture depicted Shirley cuddling up on the Strictly dance set floor next to Vito’s partner Sarah, reports the Mirror.
Shirley was also keen to reconnect with Aljaž and Tasha, sharing moments where she gazed deeply into the eyes of the handsome Slovenian dancer as they touched hands, and another with her hand in hand with Love Island star Tasha. Singer JB gleefully pulled Shirley in for a friendly embrace, both wearing wide smiles, while Lauren looked overjoyed to catch up with the judge in an additional behind-the-scenes photo.
Lauren stepped in for Amy Dowden, who sadly had to leave the competition six weeks in due to an injury. However, Amy made a return to the Strictly studios on Saturday night to watch the finals and posted a snap celebrating with the victors.
Her caption read: “My bestie @diannebuswell and my talented friend, who works so hard but is so loyal, caring, everything a girl needs! Every few days would always check in, always stayed true to herself. Gosh you did such an incredible and inspiring job! @chrismccauslandcomedy in utter awe of you! Congratulations champs! “.
Shirley Ballas shared a heartfelt message alongside photos, praising the new Strictly Come Dancing champions: “Your @bbcstrictly Champions 2024 … @chrismccauslandcomedy and @diannebuswell. Huge congratulations to you both. I’m in awe of you. You are two truly extraordinary human beings and I am so very grateful to have crossed paths with both of you. Judging you each week has been a privilege.”
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She went on to express her gratitude to the audience and fellow participants: “Thank you each and every one of you for tuning in and voting. We hoped you enjoyed the show as much as we did. A huge congratulations to @jbgill @laurenmayoakley @tashaghouri @aljazskorjanec @hadderstime @vitocoppola for your outstanding commitment to our show. Walk out this ballroom with your heads held high. You are true inspirations. congratulations also to everyone who danced for us this year. You were all wonderful and it has been a blast.”
Additionally, she conveyed her appreciation for being part of the beloved show: “I am forever grateful to be a part of a show that brings joy to millions of living rooms across the country. To all who work on and off the camera, thank you for putting on the best show on television. Thank you to you all for tuning in. I love you all. Have a beautiful Christmas. Hugs.”
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Kevin Clifton was moved to tears over Chris’s victory, taking to Instagram with an outpouring of emotion: “Absolutely sobbing… Well done @chrismccauslandcomedy @diannebuswell im so proud of you! What you have achieved is nothing short of sensational. You deserve this sis! ! ! Also, for about 13 yrs ive heard people say and read articles saying @bbcstrictly is done. And yet, they delivered magic AGAIN. And those people were wrong AGAIN.”
In a humorous twist, Stacey Dooley, who clinched the title with Clifton in 2018, jokingly threatened to ditch him for champion Chris, writing: “Baby, IM LEAVING YOU FOR CHRIS. He’s knockout and I LOVE HIM.”
Additionally, she lavished Dianne with compliments, saying: “Lady Di, WADDA gal! ” Her playful banter sparked a wave of laughter among fans, though one quipped in reply: “get in the queue lol.”
Judge Motsi also caught some heartfelt moments post-final, capturing Dianne celebrating with her family. Motsi shared on Instagram: “Wow, what an absolutely unforgettable night! Huge congratulations to @chrismccauslandcomedy , @diannebuswell , and the entire Strictly family on an incredible journey and an inspiring victory. Over the past 20 years, Strictly has shown us that it’s so much more than just dancing-it’s about the power of transformation, the courage to step outside your comfort zone, and the magic of hard work and dedication paying off.
“Chris’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the very first steps to mastering those breathtaking routines, he’s shown us what is possible when you give it your all. It hasn’t just been about the steps-it’s been about the resilience, the growth, and the sheer joy of embracing something completely new.”
She continued: “A massive congratulations as well to the other incredible finalists @jbgill @tashaghouri @hadderstime who made this season one to remember. Each of you brought something special to the dance floor, capturing our hearts with your passion, determination, and unique stories. You’ve shown us the true spirit of Strictly-a celebration of individuality, perseverance, and the joy of dance.”
“This season has reminded us why Strictly is so special. In just 12 weeks, it has changed lives, brought people together, and inspired millions to chase their dreams. Chris and Dianne’s partnership was the perfect example of the magic that happens when passion, talent, and commitment come together.”
And she added: “Here’s to 20 years of Strictly changing lives and creating moments we will never forget. To Chris, Dianne, and all the finalists-you’ve inspired us to dance like nobody’s watching. What a celebration of life, love, and the transformative power of dance. Thank you, Strictly, for making the world sparkle just a little bit brighter.”
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