Chris McCausland breaks down in tears as he’s crowned BBC Strictly winner: ‘Don’t know what to say’

Strictly Come Dancing has concluded its 2024 series after months of sparkles and glamour, with the final moment seeing comedian Chris McCausland crowned the winner.

The last episode was an emotional one, with plenty of surprise moments and tearful farewells between the couples – and the ending moment was no exception.

Each pair performed three dances: one previous routine selected by the judges, one final Latin or Ballroom routine they chose themselves and a Showdance.

McCausland, Strictly’s first-ever blind contestant, sparked high emotion with the re-performance of his Couple’s Choice from Week Eight to John Lennon’s Instant Karma (We All Shine On), and impressed with a high-energy Showdance.

However, his final dance, a Waltz to You’ll Never Walk Alone, saw McCausland – and others – break down in tears.

Part of the dance, which was originally performed back in October, saw the 47-year-old dancing alone for a short moment before professional partner Dianne Buswell reunited with him.

Host Tess Daly was also visibly emotional as she brought the couple to the judging panel, only for the judges to be wiping their eyes as well.

Head judge Shirley Ballas remarked: “I have to give this young lady a cuddle,” as she pulled Buswell for a hug.

The cameras then panned to the professional’s proud parents, who were also crying in the crowd.

“You’re changing people’s lives, you’re an exceptional man,” judge Anton Du Beke told McCausland.

The comedian achieved his first ever perfect score of 40 for the emotional dance.

Elsewhere in the milestone show, former Love Island star Tasha Ghouri also left people “sobbing” when her brother surprised her all the way from Australia.

Ghouri had explained earlier in the show that her family was watching from around the world, including her brother who had been supporting her from Down Under.

After they achieved another perfect score of 40, Winkleman turned to Ghouri to comment: “Congratulations – I have to ask you about your family.”

As Ghouri proceeded to explain how supportive her family had been, Winkleman announced her brother, Alex, had wanted to watch her live, and he soon appeared to give the former Love Island star a long hug.

Plenty of strong statements were made in the final too, with Du Beke commenting that the 2024 finale was “the best ever”.

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As the lengthy episode drew to a close, fans were at the edge of their seats as it was time to announce the winner.

When their names were called out, McCausland and Buswell were instantly in tears as they hugged.

“We need to know Chris, how does it feel to be our winner?” Host Tess Daly asked.

“It’s astonishing…” McCausland replied, seeming lost for words.

“I don’t know what to say,” he continued. “I honestly thought I could go out in the first week or two.

“And I know no one went out in the first week but I thought I still could!”

“We’ve just lasted and lasted, and she has got so much out of me,” he added as he pointed to Buswell.

“I mean, she deserves this so much,” McCausland went on. “She’s just every day… positivity, belief and honestly one of the most easy people to be funny with I’ve ever met. Unless she changes her number, she’s stuck with me!

“And this is for her and it’s for everyone out there that got told they couldn’t do something or thought they couldn’t do something… and it just shows that with opportunity and support and determination, anything can happen.”