Chris McCausland defends spot in BBC Strictly finale amid dance ability controversy: ‘Got here on our own merits!’

BBC Strictly star Chris McCausland has made clear why he and pro partner Dianne Buswell deserve their place in the hotly anticipated finale on Saturday.

The 47-year-old has stormed his way to the final as the long-running dance competition’s first-ever blind contestant.

McCausland and Buswell quickly grew to be fan favourites as the comedian made audiences laugh with his jokes and cry with his earnest and skilful routines.

The pair have never once faced the dreaded dance-off, with the voting public seeing the safe week on week.

Reflecting on their Strictly experience, they described the journey as “unbelievable, surprising and emotional”.

“It’s not something we ever thought would be possible when we started,” Buswell told the BBC, adding: “We’ve surprised ourselves and other people.”

While surprised, McCausland was keen to emphasise that he and Buswell had earned their place in the final.

The 47-year-old said: “I feel like we’ve never stayed in the competition above anybody that got higher scores than us.

“It feels like we’ve exceeded expectations and got here on our own merits,” he added.

His comments come as some fans questioned whether McCausland’s actual dancing ability was enough to truly be a finalist.

“Not convinced Chris was better than Pete but now just a popularity contest,” one fan wrote.

A second observed: “At this stage, it’s no longer a dancing comp but a popular one. Chris McCausland wins it.”

“He’s a great guy but doesn’t deserve to win a dance competition. What’s the point of it?” a third asked.

“Laura Kuenssberg is interviewer of the year in the same way as Chris McCausland is the best dancer on Strictly,” a fourth added in a cheeky dig at both McCausland and the BBC journalist.

However, legions of Strictly fans have rallied to McCausland and Buswell’s support.

“Chris McCausland is the ONLY contestant in the final that doesn’t have a background in dance. He’s smashed it every week. Chris and Dianne deserve to win,” one praised.

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Another posted: “Every time y’all are on that dance floor I am in tears! Well done Chris! Amazing job Dianne.”

Viewers also drew attention to McCausland’s lay beginnings in dance compared to the other finalists.

“Chris McCausland is the ONLY contestant in the final that doesn’t have a background in dance. He’s smashed it every week. Chris and Dianne deserve to win,” one fan said.

Regardless of the outcome, Buswell explained that reaching the final is “the cherry on the cake” in what had been an extraordinary journey.

The accomplishment has also left McCausland amazed at their capabilities, noting: “Everything, just the fact that we’ve been able to do it… it’s all surprising.”

“Just give yourself over,” he emphasises. “You’ve got to take the show seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously.”