Strictly Come Dancing fans were left in tears after Chris McCausland’s moving performance on Saturday night’s show. The Liverpool comedian, alongside his dance partner Dianne Buswell, delivered an inspiring performance that left viewers emotional.
Chris, the first blind contestant on the show, had set his sights on reaching week 10 of the competition. This was when Dianne’s parents, Rina and Mark, would be able to travel from Australia to watch their daughter perform live—something they hadn’t done in seven years. Chris wanted to make this dream come ‘true’ for Dianne in recognition of her unwavering support throughout the competition.
In an exclusive interview with ECHO earlier this month, Chris said: “This is nothing without her, she has got the most out of me and I think it will be nice if we’re both able to give something to each other. If we can get to that moment then stick a fork in me, I’ll be done. But certainly, I’m hoping to stay in this for as long as possible.”
Last night, Chris and Dianne’s dream became a reality as Mark and Rina were present in the audience for their Paso Doble performance. Mark was visibly moved by the performance and broke down in tears.
Viewers watching the show were equally moved by Mark’s emotional response. One viewer said: “Dianne’s dad crying after their dance has absolutely sent me. so happy they could be here” Another commented: “I cannot cope when I see a dad crying with pride,” reports the Liverpool Echo.
A third added: “Dianne’s dad has me bawling” while someone else commented: “Oh my Diane’s Dad” Karen posted: “Oh gawd… Papa Buswell is making me well up. They are so proud of Dianne”.
Chris, who received a respectable score of 33 from the judges, expressed contentment at achieving what seemed like an improbable dream.
Reflecting on his journey, he said: “I thought it would be a disaster. When we realised it kind of wasn’t everyone started talking Blackpool and Dianne said her parents were here the week after so that kind of became [the target]. It may be a bit of pipedream, but if we try hard enough and here we are.”
He continued with gratitude: “Its not just down to what we’ve down there. There’s been a few weeks when we’ve needed the people at home to make sure we’re here so thanks to everyone.”
Despite Chris accomplishing his personal goal, his supporters arent willing to see him exit the show just yet. One fan confessed: “In tears again Love them both Chris and Diane to win!”
Another also chimed in with words of encouragement: “If Chris doesn’t win @bbcstrictly #strictly there’s no justice. I don’t care if other people are “better”, he and Dianne bring the joy and that’s what it’s about.”
Strictly Come Dancing airs tonight at 7.20pm on BBC One.