On the latest edition of This Morning, ITV audiences watched as presenters Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley were joined by Strictly Come Dancing’s Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell.
Chris has notably become the first blind contestant on the BBC show and his performances are earning admiration from both the judging panel and those tuning in at home.
Despite his growing success, he revealed that his nearest and dearest had their doubts about him joining the dance competition.
Ben asked: “Your wife and your daughter, I’m sure knew the show. Would they have sort of gone, ‘You know what I think you’ll be alright? or ‘Crickey, I think that is going to be a real test?'”
Chris expressed: “Everyone I knew was like, ‘How are you going to do that?’ Even my daughter said to me, ‘No, daddy you’ll fall off the stage and break your leg!'”
Ben explored further by enquiring if Dianne’s father felt let down when he found out Chris was her dancing partner, reports the Express.
Previously, the comedian disclosed that Dianne told her loved ones that ‘winning wasn’t everything’ after learning she was Chris’ dance partner.
With a chuckle, Dianne responded: “He definitely wasn’t disappointed! But, I think along with a lot of other people they kind of thought, ‘You’re going to have a lovely time, but it might not last that long’.
“We just didn’t know how it was all going to work. But, he’s changed his tune!”
At this point in the contest, Chris and Dianne are placed sixth on the leaderboard with a week one and two combined score reaching 52.
Although he’s not leading the scoreboard, he’s currently tipped by bookmakers as the one to beat in the contest.
Jake Ashton, Entertainment Betting Expert at OLBG, remarked: “Chris McCausland, Strictly’s first-ever blind contestant, has captured the hearts of viewers and impressed the judges with his standout performances alongside partner Dianne Buswell.
“His odds have tumbled down to 11/8, making him the current frontrunner to lift the Glitterball Trophy this season. McCausland’s ability to deliver such polished routines in his first two weeks has clearly resonated with fans and experts alike, making him a strong contender.”
Regrettably, last weekend viewers saw the departure of the first contestant from the competition as Olympic swimmer Tom Dean was eliminated from the show.
After ending up in the bottom two with Toyah Willcox, it was up to head judge Shirley Ballas to make the call.
Reflecting on his stint on the show, he said: “I’ve had the best time the last few weeks and getting to work with Nadiya has been incredible.
“I wish I could have gone further and done more dances. I’ve had the most fun and I wish we could keep going longer and longer. We’ll still go out for loads of brunches I’m sure.”
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday on BBC One from 6:25pm.