Strictly sensation Chris McCausland is reportedly in the midst of securing a significant contract with the BBC following his resounding success on the dance floor. After clinching the Glitterball trophy with partner Dianne Buswell, the broadcaster is believed to be eager to keep the comedian within its ranks.
Breaking barriers as the show’s inaugural blind participant, Chris impressed not just the audience and judges but also his peers and professional dancers, deftly avoiding any appearances in the dance-off across the series.
An insider from the television industry notes that Chris’s time on Strictly highlighted his “a traditional sense of humour that can connect with the ordinary viewers at home”, pinpointing an attribute seemingly absent from current BBC comedy offerings.
Should these whispers materialise into reality, Chris may become instrumental to revitalising the BBC’s comedic landscape. The source divulged to The Sun: “What he did by keeping everyone in fits during the course of Strictly was show that he wasn’t just funny, but proved he had a traditional sense of humour that can connect with the ordinary viewers at home.”
They added: “That’s something which critics have said is lacking from many comedy series on the Beeb, and Chris could breathe new life into a genre which was once a mainstay for the corporation.”
Furthermore, it has been hinted that future projects might also involve Chris teaming up once more with dance professional Dianne, invigorating the magic that resonated so well with viewers due to their extraordinary rapport.
After a stellar 13-week run that captivated viewers, he’s now reaping the rewards as television bigwigs scramble to secure him for acting and presenting gigs. Moreover, tickets to his UK shows are being snapped up at an impressive rate, reports Birmingham Live.
Industry insiders estimate that the comedian, whose stand-up tour is aptly named Yonks in a nod to his lengthy career, could potentially pocket a cool £1million following his successful stint on the show.
Chris’s tour has remarkably doubled in size with an additional 100 dates added. His heightened celebrity status is set to be leveraged by both Channel 4 and Sky, with recorded shows scheduled for airing during the festive period.
This Sunday, audiences can tune into Sky’s holiday special, ‘Bad Tidings’, where he shares the screen with Lee Mack. The storyline revolves around two quarrelling neighbours who find common ground during a power outage, with Chris’s blindness adding a unique twist to their escapade.
Furthermore, Chris has already made an appearance as a panellist on Channel 4’s Big Fat Quiz of the Year, hosted by Jimmy Carr.
Strictly Come Dancing is likely to be back on screens next autumn, with the 2024 series still available for streaming via the iPlayer.